(KYIV) — A significant reduction in satellite data transmission has uncovered the extent to which the Russian military previously utilised the Starlink network within occupied Ukrainian territories. Reports from Politico, corroborated by observations from Ukrainian listening posts, indicate that Starlink terminals went dark across the front lines following a decision by Elon Musk to disable access for Russian forces. This action immediately disrupted the ability of Russian soldiers to coordinate tactical movements.
Data visualisations for January and February 2026 illustrate a 75 per cent collapse in data transmission since the restriction was enforced. This suggests that three quarters of all Starlink traffic over Ukraine for nearly four years was generated by the Russian military. Estimates previously suggested the presence of hundreds or perhaps over a thousand terminals, yet the sheer volume of data indicates a reliance far greater than analysts had originally anticipated.
The delay in implementing these restrictions has sparked intense criticism regarding the potential cost in human lives during the period the Russian dictator was permitted to exploit the network. Concurrently, the operational situation for the Kremlin is deteriorating. Russian military commentators and patriotic observers are expressing growing pessimism. Yuri Kotenok, a Russian military journalist, admitted that the Black Sea fleet has been forced to retreat into bays, unable to recover from Ukrainian strikes. Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels now dominate the Black Sea, effectively neutralising the fleet and forcing it to seek refuge in the port of Novorossiysk.
Full update video here:
Putin Cuts Internet in Moscow for Fear of Coup Attempt from Military
