Russia continues to find new ways to improve its offensive actions in the war against Ukraine, and one such tool is Starlink satellite communication. As reported by 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 limit exports of strategic technology to Russia, the black market for Starlink is thriving. Satellite communication terminals fall into the hands of the Russian military, which allows them to more accurately coordinate offensive actions. The technology helps to increase the number of drones used and significantly improve the accuracy of artillery strikes.
The use of Starlink terminals enables the Russian military to more effectively direct artillery and coordinate actions during offensive operations. According to journalists, these systems significantly contributed to the recent success of the occupiers in Donbas. The Ukrainian military confirms that the latest technologies give Russian units a significant advantage on the battlefield, allowing operations to be carried out with high precision.
The fact that Russia is installing Starlink terminals on Shahed-type drones is particularly worrying. Thanks to satellite communication and cameras, the occupiers can use these drones as high-precision barrage munitions to hit even moving targets. This allows Russian forces to conduct long-range operations, using drones for reconnaissance and instant fire adjustments.
Despite attempts to limit Russia's access to the latest technologies, the Starlink black market continues to function. The terminals are illegally sold through underground channels, which complicates the situation for Ukraine's allies, who are trying to block the supply of such goods to Russia.
