Multiple outlets report that Russian forces are attempting to counter Ukraine’s use of long-range “mid-strike” drones by disrupting Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite communications. Citing Ukrainian drone commanders and pilots, the reports say Russia has deployed electronic warfare equipment intended to jam Starlink signals in areas near towns and military facilities, which could reduce the reliability of drone control and targeting. One outlet names Russian systems mentioned by Ukrainian sources, including devices described as Volna-Kupol-Garant.
Alongside jamming, several accounts describe other measures by Russia to lower the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone campaigns. These include camouflaging or disguising logistics—such as using civilian-looking transport for fuel shipments—and changing transport tactics to reduce losses from drone strikes. Ukrainian forces say they target the newly deployed jamming equipment to restore or maintain communications.
The reports also attribute part of the drone campaign’s impact to Ukraine’s development and use of relatively cheap drones capable of striking tens of kilometres behind front lines, often with Starlink-based support. The overall picture presented is an escalating electronic-warfare and counter-logistics response to Ukraine’s drone operations.
