Russia's Deadly Attacks on Ukraine Continue as Kyiv Strikes Russian Data Centres

2026, October 9

Ukraine / Russia

Ukraine is facing one of its deadliest recent waves of Russian attacks on civilians. A Russian strike on Kramatorsk on Thursday killed at least 30 people and injured 18, according to Ukrainian authorities. The attack hit an area where public buses were operating in the eastern city. It followed a separate wave of Russian missile and drone attacks that killed civilians, including children, and damaged energy infrastructure across Ukraine.

Ukraine has responded by expanding its drone campaign against Russian infrastructure. Reuters reported on Friday that Ukrainian drones struck two data centres operated by Russian technology company Yandex, including a facility in the Kaluga region, causing disruption. The attacks illustrate how the conflict increasingly targets not only military positions and energy facilities but also the digital infrastructure supporting business and public services.

Why it matters: The intensifying aerial campaign threatens civilian lives and critical infrastructure on both sides, while the approach of winter increases the importance of protecting electricity, heating and communications systems.

Sources: Associated Press — Deadly Russian strike in Kramatorsk · Reuters — Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian data centres