Russia deploys Starlink Jammers to counter Ukraine's long-range drone attacks

Amid a series of Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russian territory, the Kremlin is pursuing new ways to disrupt Starlink's satellite internet service, which has played a key role in enabling Ukraine's long-range drone operations.

Ukraine's newly developed mid-range strike drones can accurately hit targets dozens of kilometres behind the front lines at relatively low cost. Many of these drones rely on Starlink for command and control during their missions.

As part of a sustained mid-range strike campaign this year, Ukraine has targeted Russian supply lines, fuel storage facilities, air defence installations and command centres, disrupting military logistics and contributing to fuel shortages in Russian-occupied Crimea.

In response, Russia is developing multiple countermeasures to blunt these attacks. Beyond dispersing fuel and military supplies, Russian forces have increasingly turned to sophisticated electronic warfare systems designed to jam the communication links used to pilot drones beyond the front line.

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Russia has reportedly installed these electronic jamming systems near military facilities and strategic towns.

Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukraine's Defence Ministry, said Russia is deploying a jamming system known as Volna Kupol Garant, which is capable of emitting a signal powerful enough to disrupt Starlink connectivity across an area of roughly 20 square kilometres.

Russian soldiers' new Logistics tactics

Following Ukraine's recent strikes on fuel depots deep inside Russia, Russian forces have also altered their logistics strategy. According to a report by The Independent, fuel is now transported in smaller convoys escorted by pickup trucks mounted with heavy machine guns. The convoys increasingly use secondary roads to avoid surveillance, while civilian vehicles are being used to move military supplies.

Ukraine's military intelligence also told Reuters that Russian forces are relying on small civilian cars, quad bikes and motorcycles to transport fuel, ammunition and provisions to the front. It added that troops have camouflaged supplies inside dugouts, abandoned buildings and agricultural structures, while civilian petrol stations are reportedly being used to store fuel for military operations.