Russian troops wipe out their own assault unit amid Starlink collapse
Nation6 February, 11:25 AM
The partisans, embedded within Russian units on the Kupyansk and Zaporizhzhya fronts, reported that command and control has been “effectively paralyzed.”
The agents highlighted that Russian units are experiencing an almost complete failure of Starlink terminals.
ATESH noted that Russian forces are attempting to deploy backup communications channels but have been unsuccessful. At the same time, standard electronic warfare systems are regularly jamming even their own radio communications.
On the Zaporizhzhya axis, the complete breakdown in communications led to a case of “friendly fire,” the movement said.
With no situational awareness or coordination, Russian units opened fire on their own troops.
As a result, an assault group of 12 soldiers was completely eliminated, according to ATESH.
“Russia’s dependence on civilian technologies has turned against it," the partisan movement said.
"Once communications disappear, command collapses — and the troops begin destroying themselves.”
On Feb. 2, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov announced the launch of a verification system for Starlink terminals in Ukraine. He said that only verified and registered terminals will be allowed to operate, while all others will be disabled to counter Russian military use of Starlink.
Fedorov’s statement came amid reports that Russian forces were using Starlink terminals on drones to attack Ukraine. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, agreed to assist Ukraine in addressing the issue of Russian drone control via satellite communications.
On Feb. 5, Defense Ministry technology adviser Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov said Russian forces halted assaults across many sections of the front due to the mass Starlink shutdown.
“The enemy is facing a catastrophe,” he said.
Later the same day, Fedorov confirmed that Starlink terminals used by Russian forces in the war against Ukraine had already been blocked, while registration of Ukrainian terminals continues.