Ukraine considers blocking mobile networks during air raids
Ukraine is exploring technical options to block mobile communications during air raid alerts to prevent Russia from using SIM cards to guide attacks, MP Fedir Venislavskyi said on Kyiv24 on June 11.
Venislavskyi, a member of the Verkhovna Rada’s National Security, Defense, and Intelligence Committee, noted that the issue is under active discussion but not yet finalized.
“If a decision is made and mobile operators meet the needs of the security and defense sector, it addresses a serious problem, which can be resolved both technically and legally: the enemy’s use of mobile SIM cards to guide their weapons,” he said.
Mobile operators can detect “anomalous activity” from SIM cards moving at high speeds or unusual routes, indicating potential enemy use.
“It’s obvious these SIM cards are being used by the enemy to strike Ukraine,” the lawmaker added.
Algorithms already exist to automatically block such cards.
Previously, electronic warfare and communications expert Serhiy “Flash” Beskrestnov said Ukraine might disable mobile networks along the paths of Russian Shahed drones, noting Russia uses this tactic to counter Ukrainian long-range drones.
However, MP Oleksandr Fediyenko, from the Servant of the People faction, clarified that Ukraine currently has no plans to disrupt communications during Russian attacks.
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