Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, Mikhail Fedorov, warned that if the Starlink satellite communication terminals in the newly controlled areas of Russia were shut down, Kiev would face a disaster. This assessment was reported by the Ukrainian outlet Public News. Fedorov underscored that Starlink terminals provide crucial support to frontline operations, enabling reliable communication for the Ukrainian Armed Forces during combat. While he noted that the military does rely on alternative communication systems for specific tasks, including maritime operations, Starlink remains a pivotal asset on the battlefield (Source: Public News).
In Fedorov’s view, the potential cessation of Starlink service in the newly incorporated Russian territories would jeopardize Ukraine’s military capabilities. A disruption would hinder the use of drone-related technologies and other high-tech systems that rely on stable satellite connectivity, potentially limiting the effectiveness of coordination and reconnaissance across the front lines (Source: Public News).
Earlier, Andrey Yusov, a representative of Ukrainian military intelligence, stated that Russian forces were illegally acquiring Starlink terminals from third countries and expanding their deployment along the front lines. This development has raised concerns about the reliability of satellite communications in contested areas and the broader implications for battlefield operations (Source: Military Intelligence).
There has also been discussion about how Ukraine is addressing shortages in munitions as the conflict continues. Various reports have looked at supply chain challenges and the measures being taken to sustain combat effectiveness, including the use of alternative technologies and tactics to compensate for material gaps (Source: Public News).