Kyiv: Ukraine’s military leadership is considering imposing limits on mobile internet access in certain regions as a defensive strategy against Russian drones that increasingly depend on high-speed connectivity for surveillance and attack coordination.
General Staff Chief Andriy Hnatov explained that the plan is not aimed at cutting off communication entirely but at selectively reducing the quality of mobile services, particularly 4G and 5G networks, in areas most vulnerable to drone attacks. “This is about limiting their technological edge, not isolating civilians,” Hnatov noted, stressing that essential communications would remain available for the public.
Russian forces have intensified the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in recent months, launching waves of drone strikes against energy infrastructure, logistics hubs, and frontline positions. Many of these drones are believed to be equipped with modems that connect directly to Ukrainian mobile networks, allowing them to relay reconnaissance images and real-time targeting data back to Russian operators.
By curbing high-speed mobile internet in targeted zones, Ukrainian authorities hope to disrupt the drones’ ability to transmit data effectively, thereby reducing their accuracy and operational impact. Military analysts suggest that while such a move may cause temporary inconvenience for civilians, it could significantly blunt Moscow’s reliance on technology-driven warfare.
The proposal reflects Kyiv’s ongoing adaptation to the evolving tactics of the conflict, where digital connectivity has become a battlefield asset. Alongside Western-supplied air defense systems and electronic warfare measures, the mobile service restrictions are seen as part of a broader defense strategy to counter Russia’s relentless aerial campaign.
For now, the government is weighing the balance between maintaining civilian communication needs and enhancing national security. A final decision is expected after consultations with telecom operators and regional authorities in the coming days.