Ukrainian Armed Forces Deputy Commander Colonel Andriy Lebedenko confirms the threat of destabilization to Starlink posed by the Russian aggressor.
Commenting on media reports regarding the potential destabilization of Starlink by Russian forces, Lebedenko stated that "indeed, such a threat is being considered."
"Therefore, the infrastructure ensuring the functioning of the management system is reserved and includes ground channels and other satellite communication systems, high-speed radio communication tools," he said at a briefing in Kyiv on Friday.
Lebedenko emphasized that "yes, there will certainly be an impact, and there will be consequences, but this will not critically affect the management system, including the unmanned aerial vehicle management system and ground robotic complexes."
Earlier, The New York Times reported that Russia deployed advanced technologies to interfere with the operation of the Starlink satellite internet before advancing into the Kharkiv region. The Ukrainian Defense Forces rely on Starlink for communication, intelligence gathering, and drone attacks.
Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has been crucial for Ukrainian military operations since the early days of the conflict with Russia.
It was noted that shortly before Russian troops crossed the northern border of Ukraine this month, soldiers from the 92nd Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces observed disruptions in the Starlink internet service.
According to Ukrainian military personnel, without reliable communication, they were unable to quickly communicate and share information about the sudden advance and resorted to using text messages. It is likely that Russia deployed more powerful electronic warfare and sophisticated methods to disrupt the Starlink system.
