Occupiers lose stable communications after Starlink shutdown
According to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), Starlink satellite terminals used by Russian occupation units along the entire front line have been disabled. As a result, the occupiers have lost effective coordination of their units and are attempting to switch to their own satellite systems, but report poor connection quality, which complicates operational control.
HUR reports that Russian forces are trying to use alternative communication systems, but these do not provide adequate data transmission quality.
In intercepted conversations, occupiers complained about Russian satellite terminals. “As far as I know, this ‘Gazprom’ [satellite terminal] is ****, ****,” said one soldier, evaluating the system’s performance.
Intelligence notes that even where alternatives exist, using them in combat conditions is difficult. Another intercepted message stated: “The neighbour has a ‘Gazprom’ terminal, it works on ‘Gazprom’, as received…” At the same time, occupiers admitted that the equipment does not support stable video feeds to command posts: “Yes, but maybe something has changed; before this we had to go to the neighbours… and the feed wouldn’t hold.”
HUR explains that the “Gazprom” terminals operate via the Yamal satellite series, which does not provide full front-line coverage because the main capacity of this system is used within Russia. Moreover, the operator of these satellites has been under international sanctions since 23 February 2024.
Intelligence emphasises that communication problems have already affected coordination among Russian units, logistics, and the use of various unmanned systems, both ground and aerial.
HUR also provides guidance on how to verify Starlink terminals in Ukraine.
The Starlink shutdown reportedly helped trigger a Ukrainian Armed Forces counteroffensive, according to The Telegraph.
