(KYIV) – Military operations and diplomatic manoeuvres continue to intensify as the full scale invasion of Ukraine enters its 1,442nd day. On 5 February 2026, reports emerged of significant disruption to Russian frontline communications following a denial of access to Starlink satellite services, while the Russian military explores unconventional methods for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deployment.
The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed a series of successful strikes during January on the Kapustin Yar airfield in Russia’s Astrakhan Oblast. Located approximately 400 kilometres east of the Ukrainian border near Kazakhstan, the site serves as a vital hub for intercontinental ballistic missiles, including the nuclear capable Oreshnik. Ukrainian officials stated that long range strike weapons of domestic production, specifically the FB5 Flamingo missile, significantly damaged hangers and forced personnel evacuations.
The military situation for the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has been further complicated by a widespread disconnection of Starlink terminals. Following collaboration between SpaceX and the Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation, a mass registration system was implemented to blacklist unauthorised users. Russian military bloggers reported that frontline units, particularly assault groups in Kubansk, faced a total communication catastrophe. Open source intelligence analysts noted the irony of the Russian military’s dependence on a private American Wi-Fi connection despite the Kremlin’s claims of technological independence.
In the Kursk Oblast, approximately 6,000 casualties have been reported among the 12,000 North Korean troops deployed to support Russian forces. Ukrainian military intelligence indicates these units are primarily focused on mastering unmanned technologies and aerial reconnaissance. The presence of foreign allied troops inside sovereign territory raises significant questions regarding Western red lines and the potential for international escalation.
Civilian infrastructure remains under heavy bombardment. In Zaporizhzhia, overnight strikes left over 50,000 households without electricity. In Kyiv, falling debris from intercepted drones caused numerous injuries ahead of a visit by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The city’s thermal power plant was reportedly destroyed on Tuesday, limiting residents to just four to six hours of power daily in temperatures as low as -20°C. Despite this, domestic political friction has surfaced, with the Russian dictator’s adversary, Mayor Vitali Klitschko, facing criticism for alleged lack of preparedness.
Economically, analysis from Germany’s Foreign Intelligence Agency (BND) suggests the Kremlin’s true military expenditure reached approximately €250 billion ($270 billion) in 2025. This figure represents roughly 50 per cent of total state spending and 10 per cent of Russia’s GDP, significantly higher than official declarations. Although EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan suggested the Russian war economy may become unsustainable by the end of 2026, analysts remain cautious given previous premature predictions of collapse.
Diplomatically, trilateral peace talks between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia concluded their second day in Abu Dhabi. While the only concrete result appears to be a prisoner exchange involving 157 personnel from each side, the US has yet to clarify its position on the New Start nuclear treaty, which expires today. The Kremlin expressed regret over the lack of a 12 month extension, noting that Russia currently possesses 4,380 nuclear warheads compared to 3,708 in the US.
In an unconventional development, the Russian press has highlighted research into “bio drones,” specifically the training of pigeons to carry explosives or surveillance equipment. While met with international derision, the project underscores the Kremlin’s increasingly desperate search for low cost alternatives to high tech weaponry.
