Starlink blockade and Telegram restrictions create problems for Russian forces — Estonian intelligence
The blocking of Starlink satellite terminals, as well as recent restrictions on Telegram in Russia, have significantly complicated the operations of Russian military forces.
This was reported by Colonel Ants Kiviselg, commander of the Defence Forces’ Intelligence Centre of Estonia, via ERR.
According to him, the coordinated Starlink blockade by SpaceX, together with Russian restrictions on the Telegram messenger, negatively affected military command.
"Limitations on Starlink have reduced the number of Russian UAV strikes on Ukrainian rear units, while restrictions on the messenger have slowed information exchange among Russian forces at the horizontal level. As a result, the Russian command system, strike control, and coordination between units have been disrupted — which has aided Ukrainian counterattacks," Kiviselg noted.
At the same time, he stressed that it is not accurate to speak of a complete collapse of Russian command, although these factors have noticeably influenced the course of operations.
The colonel also stated that last week, Ukrainian forces launched counteroffensive operations in Zaporizhzhia region near Huliaipole and were able to stabilise the situation.
"Russian advances there have slowed significantly, and in some areas stopped, while Ukrainians have managed to recapture parts of the occupied territory," he said.
Additionally, Ukrainian troops achieved some success in the Dobropillia and Oleksandrivka areas of Donetsk region.
According to Kiviselg, Russia has still not been able to execute its plan to encircle Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad despite months of intense fighting, although some Russian advances in these areas have been recorded. Fighting continues in the regions of Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, and Sloviansk.
Meanwhile, the intensity of Russian air attacks remains steady — on average about 1,100 drones and 60 missiles per week. Primary targets continue to be energy facilities, transport infrastructure, industrial sites, medical facilities, and other civilian objects.
At the same time, Ukraine is striking military and energy targets inside Russia, including oil refineries, terminals, and industrial enterprises.
It should be recalled that Russian forces lost stable communications after Starlink was disconnected.
Additionally, amid the Starlink blockade, Russian losses have increased to unprecedented levels.
