Russia claimed to have struck several Ukrainian communication facilities, including data centers supporting the Starlink satellite internet system in Kyiv, over two days of drone attacks. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on 26/9 that it deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to hit the Kosmonova data processing center, which it identified as a provider of mobile internet services and Starlink support for the Ukrainian military. On 27/9, the ministry stated that suicide UAVs targeted Vodafone, Omega Telecom, and Kyivstar data centers in the capital, asserting these facilities supply mobile telecommunication and high-speed internet to Ukrainian forces.

Beyond Kyiv, Russian forces also targeted a port, a road bridge, and a logistics center in Odesa province. Several cargo ships in the Black Sea, allegedly transporting military supplies for the Ukrainian armed forces, were also attacked on both days.

Ukrainian UAVs attack data centers of Kosmonova and Omega Telecom in Kyiv, Ukraine. Video: X/AMK Mapping

Ukrainian officials confirmed a UAV hit an office building housing Kosmonova's data center in Kyiv's Solomyansky district on 26/9. A Ukrainian television channel reported it ceased broadcasting on the morning of 26/9 due to related damage.

The Ukrainian Air Force Command reported that Russia used 173 UAVs of various types in the 26/9 attack, without launching missiles. Ukrainian air defense intercepted 134 targets, while UAVs struck 18 locations, with debris falling in 8 areas.

On 27/9, Russia launched 170 UAVs, again without using missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force Command stated that 147 of these UAVs were shot down, 18 locations were hit, and debris fell in 8 areas.

Russian officials indicated that these data center strikes aimed to sever the enemy's internet connectivity. The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) described this tactic as "one of Russia's latest attempts to damage Ukraine's economy."

Ukrainian firefighters extinguish a fire at an office building in Solomyansky district, Kyiv on 26/9. Photo: DSNS Ukraine

SpaceX's satellite internet service is crucial for the Ukrainian military's command and control operations, as well as for its air, sea, and land drone systems, which are altering the battlefield.

The Starlink system provides high-speed communication links between Ukrainian combat positions and command posts. When mounted on UAVs, Starlink terminals offer connections resistant to jamming and free from the limitations of traditional radio antennas.

Nguyen Tien (According to Newsweek, TASS, AFP)