Russians Seize Ukrainians’ SIM Cards Due to Starlink Blockage
On the Prydniprovskyi front, Russian occupying forces are attempting to gain internet access by purchasing or confiscating SIM cards from Ukrainian mobile operators.
This was reported by Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces.
“On the Prydniprovskyi front, due to the lack of Starlink, the Russians are looking for any possible ways to connect to the internet. They are trying to buy or seize SIM cards from Ukrainian GSM operators — Kyivstar and Vodafone,” Voloshyn said.
According to him, these are cases where the occupiers are seeking alternative channels to access the internet while their traditional communication methods are limited. “They are trying by all possible means to obtain these SIM cards, including confiscation,” the spokesperson added.
The Russians have replaced Starlink with an alternative system that is more visible to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Additionally, the blocking of Starlink and restrictions on Telegram have created problems for Russian troops, according to Estonian intelligence.
The Russian command has for the first time acknowledged the mass disconnection of Starlink terminals.
