Another Russian attack on Kyiv on September 23 damaged data centers used by internet providers UTELS and Pavutyna, disrupting internet services for about 100,000 households in Kyiv and the surrounding region. The attack also damaged a traffic exchange point in Kyiv, causing connectivity problems for Crazy Network customers in Vinnytsia and the Khmelnytskyi region. Some online services, including parts of the Ye bookstore’s website, were also temporarily affected.
UTELS’s data center containing key network equipment was damaged and remained without power, affecting its network and access to services. Emergency crews were sent to the site to begin repairs. Pavutyna also reported damage to one of its data centers, resulting in service outages for some subscribers as reported by The New Voice of Ukraine.
UTELS, said, “The equipment remains without power, which may cause disruptions to the network and access to services. Our emergency repair crews are already on site and are doing everything possible to restore the equipment and network as quickly as possible. We ask for your understanding. We will provide prompt updates on the restoration work and any changes in the situation.”
Pavutyna said, “One of the data centers was damaged in an enemy attack, leaving some of our subscribers without service. Our specialists are doing everything possible to restore service as quickly as possible. We ask for your patience and thank you for your understanding.”
The damaged data centers were part of civilian infrastructure supporting access to information and air threat alerts as rapid warnings about missile and drone attacks are important for civilians seeking shelter according to a report from RBC Ukraine.
Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Foreign Minister, said,“Russia has targeted major Ukrainian data centers, seeking to disrupt the flow of information. This is critical civilian infrastructure that ensures people can access life-saving information. It is not a military target.”
Readers will recall that Russia carried out a series of attacks on data center facilities in Kyiv, Ukraine, On September 15, a Russian drone attack affected the BeMobile data center, disrupting websites hosted by UCloud, including Ukraine’s National Paralympic Committee website. A separate Russian strike reportedly damaged another commercial data center in Kyiv on September 17.
Russia targeted the De Novo data center, one of Ukraine’s largest commercial facilities on September 19. Operating at Tier III standards, De Novo provides cloud and infrastructure services, including hosting for major Ukrainian financial institutions.
These attacks, occurring within 10 days, demonstrate the increasing exposure of Ukraine’s commercial digital infrastructure and growing vulnerability of Ukraine’s digital infrastructure amid intensified Russian strikes on Kyiv.