Russia continues to use Starlink on the front despite restrictions, media say
Photo: Starlink terminal (Getty Images)
Russia continues to use internet access on the battlefield via Starlink despite efforts to block the terminals. They reach Russian forces through several channels, according to Verstka and Defense Ministry adviser Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov.
Journalists found that ads from terminal sellers are actively circulating on Telegram channels. Ukrainians initially register the devices under their own names and then ship them by mail to intermediaries, who forward them to Russia via third countries.
At the same time, some of these terminals are still being blocked. Verstka, citing a Russian serviceman, reported that only a few of the purchased "white" terminals actually worked.
Starlink from captured drones
"Flash" said that terminals also reach Russian troops via captured Ukrainian drones. In particular, Ukrainian forces recently обнаружили a Starlink unit in a Russian drone that had been taken from a Ukrainian UAV.
"A drone with a Starlink flew toward our troops. Unlike other UAVs, it was clearly operational. Checks showed that this Starlink had previously been installed on one of our drones," he said.
The adviser stressed that in such cases, Ukrainian troops should request the deactivation of the Starlink terminal if it cannot be returned.
Blocking Starlink for Russia
Russian forces started using drones equipped with Starlink. After that, Ukraine appealed to SpaceX founder Elon Musk to restrict access for Russia.
Access to Starlink for Russian forces was later blocked. Following that, Russian units experienced widespread communication disruptions, significantly complicating command and control.
Attempts by Russian forces to switch to alternative communication systems have proven less effective, creating additional problems on the battlefield.
