Kyiv: Russia is increasing its efforts to disrupt Starlink satellite connections used by Ukrainian forces to control drones attacking military targets and supply routes behind the front line. The move highlights the growing importance of electronic warfare as both sides search for new ways to gain an advantage in the continuing conflict.
Ukrainian military officials say Russian forces are using powerful electronic jamming equipment to interfere with Starlink connections in areas where Ukrainian drones are operating. These drones are being used to strike Russian fuel supplies, military vehicles, ammunition storage areas, command centres and air defence positions.
Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has played an important role in maintaining communications for Ukraine since the early stages of the war. The satellite network has helped Ukrainian military units stay connected in areas where normal communication systems have been damaged or disrupted. In recent months, the technology has also become increasingly important for certain drone operations.
According to Ukrainian officials, Russia is now using a system known as Volna Kupol Garant to interfere with Starlink signals. Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukraine's Defence Ministry, said the system could disrupt satellite connections across an area of about 20 square kilometres. He said Ukrainian forces had detected around 10 such systems.
The exact number and effectiveness of these systems have not been independently confirmed. However, Ukrainian drone operators say Russian jamming efforts are becoming a serious challenge. Ukraine is now trying to locate and destroy the electronic warfare systems before they can significantly affect drone missions.
The electronic battle comes as Ukraine increases its use of midrange drones to strike Russian military logistics. Some of these drones can attack targets located between 25 and 200 kilometres behind Russian positions. Their main purpose is to make it more difficult for Russia to move fuel, ammunition, equipment and soldiers towards the front line.
The growing drone threat has also forced Russian forces to change the way they transport military supplies. Reports indicate that some military cargo is being hidden in civilian vehicles, while fuel and other supplies are being transported in less obvious ways. Motorcycles and quad bikes are also being used for certain movements.
Russian forces are also reportedly spreading supplies across smaller locations instead of keeping large quantities of equipment in one place. This makes it more difficult for Ukrainian drone operators to identify and destroy important military supplies with a single attack.
The struggle over Starlink is only one part of a much larger technological contest. Both Russia and Ukraine are constantly developing new weapons and methods, while also searching for ways to counter the technology used by the other side.
Ukraine has invested heavily in drones because they can be cheaper than traditional missiles and can be produced in large numbers. The country has developed a wide range of drones for surveillance, attacks on front line positions and strikes deep behind Russian lines. Some operations have targeted fuel facilities, military airfields and other infrastructure.
Russia, meanwhile, has expanded its electronic warfare capabilities. Jamming systems can interfere with navigation and communication signals used by drones. However, these systems can also become important targets once Ukrainian forces identify their locations.
Another important part of the Starlink battle is the question of unauthorised access. Earlier in 2026, Ukrainian authorities said they were working with SpaceX to stop Russian forces from using Starlink terminals without permission. There had been reports that Russian units were using the satellite service for military purposes, including some drone operations.
Measures to restrict unauthorised terminals are believed to have made it more difficult for Russian forces to use Starlink. This may have encouraged Moscow to increase its efforts to interfere directly with the satellite signal in selected areas of the battlefield.
However, the latest information does not suggest that Russia has found a way to completely shut down Starlink across Ukraine. The current jamming systems appear to work in limited geographical areas. Their success may depend on their location, strength and the ability of Ukrainian forces to find and destroy them.
The battle over satellite communication is likely to become even more important in the future. Russia is also working on plans for its own satellite broadband network, with launches expected to begin from 2027. If the programme moves forward as planned, both satellite communications and technologies designed to disrupt them could become an even larger part of modern warfare.
For Ukraine, keeping its drones connected is important for maintaining pressure on Russian supply lines. For Russia, stopping those drones before they reach important targets has become a major priority. The result is a rapidly changing contest in which every new technology is followed by an attempt to block, disrupt or destroy it.
As the conflict continues, the struggle between drones, satellite networks and electronic jamming systems is showing how modern warfare is changing. Battles are no longer fought only with soldiers, tanks and missiles. Control of communication signals and the ability to keep machines connected can now influence events far behind the front line.