Number of frontline Russian assaults falls after Starlink access is blocked for Russians
Russian forces have reduced the number of assault operations on the front line since Ukraine and SpaceX reached an agreement on blocking unregistered Starlink satellite internet terminals.
Source: Radio Liberty, citing sources in the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Details: Sources told the media outlet that the number of Russian assaults has decreased in some areas, while in other sectors attacks have stopped altogether.
According to the General Staff's report as of 16:00 on 5 February, Ukrainian forces had recorded 56 combat clashes along the front line since the beginning of the day.
Military radio technology expert Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov reported that Russian forces experienced a mass outage of Starlink terminals on 5 February. The Russians are complaining that they are unable to restore connectivity and that this will affect the coordination of their actions along the entire front line.
Background:
- On 25 January, Beskrestnov, who has been appointed as technology adviser to Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, stated that Russian forces were likely using Starlink satellite internet to operate Shahed loitering munitions.
- Elon Musk responded to Fedorov's request for help in addressing the use of Starlink to operate Russian strike UAVs.
- It was later reported that SpaceX had taken countermeasures against the use of Starlink satellite internet for Russian strike UAVs.
- On 1 February, Musk noted that the steps taken to prevent Russia's unauthorised use of Starlink appeared to have produced results.
- Fedorov announced that a system is being gradually rolled out that will ensure that only authorised Starlink terminals work on the territory of Ukraine.
- Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers adopted a resolution to introduce a "white list" for Starlink satellite terminals. Soon, only verified and registered terminals will work in Ukraine; all others will be disconnected.
Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!