Ukrainian Drone Unit Says Starlink Limits Strikes Deep Into Russia

Starlink Limits Deep-Strike Drone Missions Into Russia

04:41 18-08-2026

Ukrainian drone crews say Starlink does not work inside Russia, forcing long-range UAVs onto preplanned routes and limiting control over deep-strike missions.

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Ukrainian troops from the 413th Regiment of Unmanned Systems Forces have described difficulties using long-range drones against targets deep inside Russia. According to Le Monde, citing unit commander Yevgeny Karas, one of the main obstacles is that Starlink terminals do not operate on Russian territory.

Reporters from the French newspaper observed the Ukrainian unit during launches of long-range UAVs. According to their account, each drone is operated by a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and a navigator.

Karas said the unit cannot guide its drones toward targets far inside Russia because it lacks the technical means to maintain communications with the aircraft once Starlink becomes unavailable.

As a result of the satellite communications problem, Ukrainian crews have to program the drones’ flight routes in advance.

In March 2026, the 413th Reid Regiment said it had been involved in adjusting a strike on Bryansk carried out with seven Storm Shadow missiles. Eight civilians were killed in the attack.

In mid-June, reports emerged that Russia had developed the Volna Kupol Garant electronic warfare system for disrupting SpaceX satellite communications. Ukrainian servicemen have already reported serious communications disruptions in the combat zone, attributing them to the operation of the new Russian electronic warfare system.