Ukraine hits Sberbank data center as Starlink limits and missed U.S. warnings hamper defense

Ukrainian drones struck a Sberbank data center in Balakovo, Saratov region, overnight on October 14, marking the first attack on the bank's server infrastructure. Saratov Governor Roman Busargin reported one civilian killed and damage to residential buildings, while Sberbank Deputy Chairman Alexander Vedyakhin said all banking systems remain operational.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian officials said SpaceX restricted Starshield, the military-grade Starlink service, without warning. Presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov stated the move disrupted several missions and is linked to the political dispute with the Trump administration.

“Our defense forces received no warning of this restriction, and this has led to the disruption of a number of missions.”

Kyiv also reported receiving no advance warning from Western partners before Russian ballistic missiles hit the CHP-4 power plant and a residential building in Kyiv on October 13. President Volodymyr Zelensky said missiles were detected only on final approach, while Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat confirmed partners warned only for later waves.

The Trump administration had warned Ukraine last weekend it could suspend intelligence sharing and European purchases of U.S. weapons if Kyiv continues long-range strikes on Russian energy facilities. Trump later denied halting intelligence sharing, saying the U.S. wants the war to end.