Russian strikes disrupt internet for 100,000 households in Kyiv region
Russian attacks on data centers and internet providers in Kyiv over two days have disrupted service for roughly 100,000 households, according to Ukraine's Digital Transformation Ministry. Providers reported direct hits on core equipment, forcing some to relocate network infrastructure. Officials say Moscow is now systematically targeting communications networks as part of its broader assault on critical infrastructure.
The strikes damaged infrastructure at multiple providers, including UTELS, Pavutyna, Crazy Network, and Etherlink, with some forced to relocate core network equipment. MiroHost's data center was destroyed, though roughly 90-95% of its customers rely on servers outside Ukraine. The attacks began Sept. 23 and continued through Sept. 24, prompting providers to assess damage and restore service.
Separately, Polish Deputy PM Krzysztof Gawkowski said a fire at a Starlink ground station in Wola Krobowska may have been deliberate sabotage aimed at disrupting Ukrainian military communications. The station, operated by state-owned Exatel, routes internet traffic through Poland to Ukraine. Danish officials separately warned that Russia could escalate hybrid attacks against NATO in coming months.
Widespread internet outages could hamper civilian communication, emergency services, and access to banking and government functions in Kyiv. For Ukrainian forces, degraded connectivity — including potential Starlink disruptions — may complicate battlefield coordination. Repeated strikes on communications infrastructure may also erode public confidence in the resilience of essential services, though providers' ability to relocate networks suggests some adaptive capacity remains.