From EUobserver · · 2m
Zelensky's frustration over Starlink cuts
Ukrainians strike Russian refineries without Starlink as Zelensky warns of escalation.
In brief
Ukrainians strike Russian refineries without Starlink as Zelensky warns of escalation. Ukrainian forces attacked Russian oil refineries and data centers without Starlink, prompting Zelensky to demand a 60-day ceasefire for elections. Originally reported by EUobserver.
Zelensky's frustration
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said he had had enough after Russian attacks during the so-called energy truce.
“Zelensky has had enough after Russian attacks during the so-called energy truce”
Ukrainian strikes without Starlink
Ukrainians attacked Russian military airfields and refineries using drones without Starlink connections.
“Ukrainians attacked Russian military airfields and refineries using drones without Starlink connections”
Ryazan refinery attack
Ukrainians targeted Ryazan refinery, a Rosneft facility with 17 million tonnes of oil capacity annually.
“Ryazan refinery belongs to Rosneft and is one of the largest, with a capacity of around 17 million tonnes of oil a year”
Starlink speed restrictions
U.S. military imposed speed limits on Starlink drones, cutting operations for Ukrainian forces.
“U.S. military imposed speed limits on Starlink drones, cutting operations for Ukrainian forces”
Musk's role in restrictions
Elon Musk claimed Starshield is controlled by the U.S. military, not SpaceX, for speed restrictions.
“Any decisions on speed or usage restrictions are made by the U.S. military and, ultimately, the U.S. president”
U.S. military response
The White House denied involvement in Starlink restrictions, urging Musk to investigate the issue.
“The White House claims it had nothing to do with the restriction and wants Musk's company to investigate”
Ukrainian drone capabilities
Ukrainian drones can fly up to 150 km and attack targets without Starlink navigation.
“They use Hornet drones to attack targets at distances of up to 150 km”
Impact on Ukrainian operations
Ukrainian soldiers reported suspended operations due to Starlink restrictions on drone speeds.
“All operations have been suspended. It will cost many of us our lives”
Data center attacks
Ukrainians damaged three of Yandex's six data centers in Russia, affecting services and AI systems.
“They have already managed to seriously damage three of Yandex's six data centres”
Real-world consequences
Russian internet services, banking, and transportation systems faced outages after data center attacks.
“bus timetables disappeared in some cities; residents of some Moscow apartment buildings could not get through electric gates”
Supercomputers at risk
Yandex's supercomputers, used for AI training, could take years to repair due to U.S. sanctions.
“Yandex's data centres may not be restored until 2028”
Escalation risks
Attacks on data centers could paralyze Russian infrastructure and escalate international law concerns.
“It may weaken the enemy's military effort, but it can also completely paralyze ordinary life”
Historical context
Similar data center attacks occurred during Trump's war against Iran, disrupting military and civilian functions.
“At the start of Trump's war against Iran, Amazon data centres in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain were hit”
Ukrainian military response
Ukrainian forces continue strikes on Russian logistics despite Starlink restrictions.
“Ukrainians said they destroyed as many as six Su-34M aircraft”
Zelensky's demand
Zelensky called for a 60-day ceasefire for elections if Russia observes a 60-day ceasefire.
“Zelensky responded that they would be happy to organise elections if Russia observed a 60-day ceasefire”
Current status
Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure continue without Starlink, escalating risks for both sides.
“Ukrainian attacks on data centres hit Russia where it hurts”
At a glance
Ukrainian forces attacked Russian oil refineries and data centers without Starlink, prompting Zelensky to demand a 60-day ceasefire for elections.
