Easier maybe, but if they want to keep up some degree of plausible deniability over who did it, it becomes harder.
> It's much easier for Russia to destroy data centers in orbit.
Nope. Depending on the number of satellites in the constellation, it could be very hard or impossible. Russia has only so many orbital-class interceptors.
And after the first few Kessler provides far more
Sure, but Kessler is really bad at telling friend from foe...
You may want to read up on Kessler syndrome more if you think a few anti satellite hits would start it, or that it would be quick. (Hint: the original paper postulates decades.)