Kyivstar's Network Crippled: Enemy Strikes Knock Out Power to Up to 60% of Infrastructure
Hostile shelling has caused widespread power outages at Kyivstar's infrastructure across several regions, disrupting up to 60% of its sites in nine oblasts. This has resulted in significant communication failures, with approximately one thousand of the operator's sites currently non-operational. This attack on a major telecom provider highlights the ongoing targeting of Ukraine's civilian infrastructure during the war.
Kyivstar currently operates 16,500 sites connected to the power grid. According to the company, in some regions, more than 50% of its technical infrastructure has lost electricity. The attacks have left consumers without service in the following areas:
- Dnipropetrovsk Oblast
- Odesa Oblast
- Zaporizhzhia Oblast
- Kharkiv Oblast
With a workforce of about 5,000, Kyivstar states it can maintain 30-40% network functionality even under the most severe conditions. Its core network is protected with backup power for 72 hours, allowing it to sustain a basic level of service. Alexander Komarov, a company representative, noted:
'In some regions, by our internal classification, we are in a complete blackout.' Alexander Komarov, representative of Kyivstar
He also expressed confidence in the company's resilience: 'And we are fully confident that we can hold out even longer.'
In a related development, Kyiv has secured an agreement with the German agency GIZ to receive two cogeneration units, which are expected to arrive next week. This equipment could aid in restoring power and improving the communication situation in the near future.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of the nation's critical infrastructure during wartime. Restoring a stable power supply is a crucial step for ensuring reliable communications, which are essential not only for business but also for civilian safety and coordination. Collaboration with international partners like GIZ may play a key role in improving conditions for telecom operators and restoring their operations.