Ukrainian forces launched an offensive after Russian access to Starlink was restricted

In February, SpaceX introduced a system whereby only devices on an approved list are granted access to Starlink satellite internet in Ukraine. Terminals used by the Ukrainian military remained connected, whilst Russian ones lost access, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Following this, Ukrainian forces launched an offensive. Russian units lost the ability to receive real-time video from the battlefield and coordinate actions with drone operators.

According to the Ukrainian side, following Russia’s loss of access to Starlink, Ukraine recaptured approximately 150 square miles of territory in the southern regions of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. In February, for the first time since 2023, Ukraine recaptured more territory than it lost.

Ukrainian military personnel note that the number of drone attacks has decreased. One fighter, with the call sign Konosh, said that without Starlink, Russian forces have effectively reverted to Cold War-era communication methods.

Previously, Russian units used Starlink to view drone footage and coordinate attacks. After losing access to the system, this coordination has become more difficult.

Unit commander Oleksiy Serdyuk explained that previously, once a target was identified, Russian forces would immediately send several drones towards it. Now there is a delay between detection and response.

The use of equipment that relied on Starlink, particularly ground-based drones, has also become more difficult.

According to Ukrainian military officials, after losing access to Starlink, Russian forces were forced to rely more on radio communications, which Ukraine can intercept. This allows them to obtain information about the movements of units and their plans.

In the first few days after the disconnection, Russian troops attempted to restore the connection by restarting their equipment, which helped Ukrainian forces pinpoint their positions.

Ukrainian units also used small groups to attack rear positions, creating the impression of a larger-scale breakthrough.

At the same time, Russian troops are trying to adapt by laying communication cables between positions and using other communication systems, including satellite services.

According to Ukrainian military estimates, the level of coordination among Russian units has partially recovered to around 60 per cent following the loss of Starlink.

The Russian military is also discussing a switch from the Telegram messaging app to the state-run Max system, though commanders are in no hurry to change their means of communication.