Ukrainian drone strike damages Yandex artificial intelligence data center in Russia

Ukrainian drones have struck a Russian data center containing supercomputers that train artificial intelligence models for Yandex, Ars Technica, Newsweek, and Daily Sabah reported. The facility belongs to the Russian technology firm often described as Russia's Google. [1][5][6]

The strike knocked out one data center and disrupted several digital platforms across Russia, according to Ars Technica. Citing Reuters, Ars Technica reported that the affected platforms included a dating application, a real estate aggregator, a self-publishing book platform, and the official website of the most successful professional soccer club in the Russian Premier League. Reuters and Central Oregon Daily reported that the attack represents a second major tech site hit by Ukraine, expanding its targeting range inside Russia. [1][2][3]

The incident highlights a growing global trend of digital infrastructure becoming physical targets during military conflicts, Ars Technica reported. In February 2026, Iranian drones knocked out several Amazon data centers in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates following military attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. Russia has also routinely targeted Ukrainian energy grids, transport hubs, and residential areas with mass missile and drone strikes. [1]

Separately, DW.com reported that experts have addressed why Ukraine is unlikely to suffer an internet blackout despite ongoing Russian strikes against Ukrainian data centers. Ukrainian operations continue to strike deeper tech targets within Russian territory as drone warfare expands. [2][3][4][9]