Yandex Data Centre Attacked for Third Time This Week
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Ukraine strikes Yandex data centre in third attack on Russian tech giant
Image source: Reuters
Image caption: Yandex's data centres have been targeted three times this week - like this one in Sasovo on Thursday
By Hafsa Khalil
Published 1 hour ago
Yandex has faced yet another disruption to its services after a drone strike damaged a data centre near Moscow, forcing it to pause operations. This is the third attack on the Russian tech giant's facilities this week.
The company, often referred to as "Russia's Google," stated that no casualties occurred during the incident at the centre in Vladimir, east of Moscow, but some services became unavailable for users.
Earlier in the week, Yandex revealed it was struggling to maintain its services after two data centres were hit by Ukrainian strikes. On Sunday, a further attack took place just hours after US President Donald Trump's remarks regarding Ukraine and Russia's oil refineries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to these comments, stating that any de-escalation steps must be reciprocal and backed by guarantees. He also linked the recent deals between the US and Russia, which involve releasing millions of tonnes of Russian diesel into the US market, to the rising fuel prices. In response, Trump suggested it was time for Ukraine to install a new president.
Both countries have intensified infrastructure attacks in recent months as the ongoing war enters its fifth year. Kyiv claims these strikes target revenue streams supporting Moscow's war machine, potentially forcing Russia to redirect resources towards repairing the damaged Yandex facilities.
Yandex confirmed on Telegram that their Vladimir data centre sustained damage and operations were "completely suspended," while they work to restore connectivity. Previous strikes occurred in Sasovo on Thursday and Kaluga on Friday, leading to similar suspensions.
The company highlighted the critical role these data centres play in maintaining its services, adding it is "very difficult to predict" when they will resume full operation.
Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine have persisted over the weekend, resulting in injuries and fatalities. The Ukrainian State Emergency Service reported six injured in Russian strikes on four districts in Dnipropetrovsk, while local officials confirmed at least 20 deaths, including four children, in Zaporizhzhia.