Russian “Starlink analogue” fails on the front line
Russian forces on the front line have encountered serious disruptions to their satellite communications. This caused problems with unit command, logistics, and the operation of drones. Alternative systems that the occupiers tried to switch to did not provide stable connectivity. This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine.
According to intelligence, after losing stable satellite internet, Russian troops began searching for a replacement. They tried using their own terminals operating via the “Yamal” satellite series. However, this system proved inadequate for wartime conditions. The GUR notes that such “analogues” cannot provide stable communication along the entire front line. The number of satellites is limited, and the main resources of this group serve civilian subscribers in Russia itself. As a result, the military receives an unstable signal and cannot fully transmit video or large volumes of data.
Intercepted conversations of Russian troops confirm the problems. They complain that even when equipment is available, the connection often “drops” or works intermittently. “There’s no connection again, the video isn’t coming through,” reads one intercepted message. In another, soldiers acknowledge that “commands are received with a delay.” These disruptions have already affected unit coordination. Without stable internet, it is harder to manage equipment, transmit intelligence, and adjust actions on the battlefield. This is especially true for unmanned systems — both ground and aerial.
The intelligence service emphasises that communication issues reduce the combat effectiveness of Russian forces. When command posts do not receive real-time information, decisions are made more slowly, and coordination between units is hampered. The situation with communications has shown that Russian alternatives cannot fully replace modern Western technologies. In active combat conditions, this immediately becomes a critical factor.
Additionally, the pace of the Russian advance has fallen to a ten-month low.
