GSM operator Turkcell says 10% mobile infrastructure in Ukraine disabled
The main office building of the third largest Ukrainian mobile telephone network operator Lifecell, Kyiv, Ukraine, Oct. 16, 2016. (Shutterstock Photo)


Turkish telecoms operator Turkcell, one of three main operators in Ukraine, said around 10% of its infrastructure in the country had been disabled by Russia's invasion, but added there was no damage to its central network.

While Russia has failed to capture a single major Ukrainian city a month after it launched its invasion, which Moscow calls a "special military operation," the fighting has left cities in ruins and destroyed critical infrastructure.

Turkcell, which operates under the name "lifecell" in Ukraine, said in a stock exchange statement on Wednesday that around 10% of its 9,000 base stations in Ukraine were disabled, adding there had been no casualties among its employees.

The company said it had provided the necessary equipment to maintain operations and established backup data centers in Lviv in western Ukraine and some neighboring nations, including Poland and the Czech Republic, adding 45% of its retail stores in the country remained open.

Turkcell's operations in Ukraine comprised 7.8% of its TL 35.9 billion ($2.42 billion) revenue in 2021. They made up about 10% of its profits before interest, depreciation and tax.

NATO member Turkey shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea and has good ties with both. While being critical of Russia's invasion and supporting Ukraine, Ankara has also launched mediation efforts and called for a cease-fire.