Russian drone strikes this week caused significant damage to data centers and telecommunications infrastructure in Kyiv, leading to widespread internet outages. Thousands of residents in the Ukrainian capital and surrounding regions experienced connectivity issues following the attacks. Internet monitoring groups reported that at least four internet providers – **Kyiv Link**, **Pautina**, **Utels**, and **Crazy Network** – suffered partial connectivity losses after Wednesday's drone assault. Ukraine’s **Ministry of Digital Transformation** stated that approximately 100,000 households in Kyiv and its region faced internet problems. Repair crews are actively assessing the damage and working to restore stable connections. Several providers confirmed that direct damage to facilities housing critical networking equipment was the cause of the disruption. **Utels** reported that one of its core network equipment data centers in Kyiv was damaged and lost power. The company managed to restore service to most customers within about two hours. **Pautina** experienced more extensive damage, with several infrastructure sites hit and nearly half of its network temporarily offline. The company cited critical equipment and communications line damage. **Crazy Network** also reported outages affecting customers in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, and the Khmelnytskyi region, attributing the issues to a strike on a central internet traffic exchange facility. Russia’s **Defense Ministry** claimed its forces struck the **New-Telco** and **United DC** data centers in Kyiv, alleging these facilities supported Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and intelligence agencies. These claims remain unverified, and Ukrainian authorities have not confirmed these specific facilities were hit. Ukrainian Foreign Minister **Andrii Sybiha** condemned the attacks, stating that Russia targeted major data centers to disrupt information flow. He emphasized that internet connectivity is crucial for delivering timely warnings about incoming Russian missile and drone attacks. "This is critical civilian infrastructure that ensures people can access life-saving information. It is not a military target. It is essential to keeping everyday life functioning," Sybiha added. Wednesday's strikes in Kyiv resulted in two fatalities and at least 43 injuries, according to Ukrainian authorities. Residential buildings, railway infrastructure, and a historic market also sustained damage. A subsequent large-scale Russian missile strike on Thursday further damaged residential buildings, a maternity hospital, and energy and logistics infrastructure. ### Repeated Attacks on Connectivity Russia has consistently targeted Ukrainian telecommunications facilities throughout the conflict. Both **Utels** and **Pautina** have previously reported damage during Russian attacks. A major strike in July also damaged a key Kyiv data center, disrupting several internet providers. Earlier this month, Russian strikes also impacted facilities belonging to **Kyivstar**, Ukraine’s largest telecommunications operator, including an engineering office and a building housing network equipment. Kyivstar confirmed that its services remained operational at the time. ### Broader Connectivity Threats: Poland's Starlink Station Incident The threat to connectivity extended beyond Ukraine this week. A fire erupted late Wednesday at a **Starlink** ground station in central Poland, operated by the state-owned telecommunications company **Exatel**. This facility is vital for providing satellite internet connectivity across Europe, including Ukraine. The fire damaged electrical infrastructure at the site, including a switchboard and generator. Polish Digital Affairs Minister **Krzysztof Gawkowski** stated on Thursday that authorities are investigating the incident as possible sabotage, with indications that the fire was deliberately set. Gawkowski described the incident as a potential element of hybrid warfare, underscoring the facility's importance for maintaining internet connectivity to Ukraine. Polish authorities have not publicly identified those responsible, and investigators have not yet established a Russian role.