Russia continues to find new ways to improve its offensive operations in the war against Ukraine, and one such tool is Starlink satellite communications. According to the Washington Post , the occupiers are massively using illegally obtained Starlink terminals to increase the effectiveness of their drone and artillery attacks.
Despite US efforts to restrict the export of strategic technology to Russia, the black market for Starlink is thriving. Satellite communication terminals are falling into the hands of the Russian military, allowing them to more precisely coordinate offensive actions. The technology helps increase the number of drones used and significantly improve the accuracy of artillery strikes.
The use of Starlink terminals allows the Russian military to more effectively direct artillery and coordinate actions during offensive operations. According to journalists, these systems significantly contributed to the recent successes of the occupiers in Donbas. Ukrainian military officials confirm that the latest technologies give Russian units a significant advantage on the battlefield, allowing them to conduct operations with high precision.
Particularly worrying is the fact that Russia is installing Starlink terminals on Shahed drones. Thanks to satellite communications and cameras, the occupiers can use these drones as high-precision loitering munitions to hit even moving targets. This allows Russian forces to conduct operations at long distances, using the drones for reconnaissance and instant fire adjustment.
Despite attempts to restrict Russia's access to the latest technology, the Starlink black market continues to operate. The terminals are sold illegally through underground channels, making it difficult for Ukraine's allies to block the supply of such goods to Russia.
