Ukraine Strikes Russian Tech Giant Yandex Data Centers for Third Time This Week
Kyiv targets infrastructure critical to Russia's war machine, causing operational disruptions.
Ukraine has once again targeted Russian technology firm Yandex, striking a data center in Vladimir this week and suspending its operations. This marks the third such attack by Ukraine on Yandex facilities within the past week, as the conflict intensifies and both sides escalate infrastructure assaults.
The company confirmed that its data center in Vladimir sustained damage, leading to a complete suspension of operations. Yandex is currently working to restore connectivity. Previous strikes occurred in Sasovo on Thursday and in Kaluga on Friday, both of which also resulted in operational suspensions.
Yandex, which provides services including a taxi app and food ordering used by millions, stated that its data centers are vital for the normal functioning of its services. The company indicated that it is "very difficult to predict" when these services will be fully restored.
Kyiv has stated its aim is to target infrastructure that supports Moscow's war revenue streams. The attacks on Yandex facilities could compel Russia to divert resources towards repairing the damage, potentially impacting its war efforts.
Meanwhile, Russian strikes on Ukraine have continued over the weekend. On Saturday, at least 20 people, including four children, were killed in Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine also reported that six people were injured in overnight Russian attacks across four districts in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
The war between Russia and Ukraine is ongoing, with both nations stepping up attacks on critical infrastructure in recent months, now entering its fifth year following Russia's full-scale invasion.