"Russia is not taking advantage of opportunities to counter Western satellites due to 'informal restrictions,'" says Khodakovsky
Alexander Khodakovsky, deputy head of the Russian National Guard’s department in the so-called “DPR,” stated that Russia allegedly has the technical capability to take out satellite constellations but is not using it.
He wrote about this on Telegram.
According to Khodakovsky, modern conflicts rely heavily on satellite systems that provide reconnaissance, communications, strike coordination, and support for artificial intelligence technologies. He effectively acknowledged the technological superiority of Ukraine and Western countries in this area.
He claims that it is precisely the effectiveness of satellite technologies that gives Ukrainian forces an advantage on the battlefield. “Their reconnaissance is more comprehensive and detailed; their satellite communications enable better command and control of troops and allow them to inflict fire damage on us,” Khodakovsky stated.
Separately, he noted that satellite infrastructure allows for the use of artificial intelligence systems in combat conditions. “It even enables the use of AI, which is impossible without reliable high-speed internet coverage,” he said.
At the same time, Khodakovsky stated that Russia allegedly has the capability to take out enemy satellites but does not do so due to “certain unspoken restrictions.”
“No one is striking enemy satellites, even when everything calls for it,” he noted.
He also mentioned the Palantir analytics platform, which is used for data processing and military coordination.
“The much-praised Palantir—take away its satellite link, and it turns into Professor Dowell’s head,” the expert noted.
Russia’s accusations of alleged Baltic involvement in strikes on Russian territory may be part of Moscow’s preparations for a possible opening of a second front against NATO countries.
Russia has launched large-scale nuclear exercises to demonstrate its strength to Ukraine’s allies, increase pressure on NATO, and divert attention from its own failures on the front lines. This is the conclusion reached by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation officially announced the start of large-scale military exercises involving strategic nuclear forces, which will take place from May 19 to 21, 2026.
Ukraine reacted sharply to the joint nuclear exercises between Russia and Belarus, citing violations of international treaties and a threat to global security. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Moscow is effectively turning Belarus into a nuclear springboard near NATO’s borders.
