Russian Analyst Explains Why Restored Starlink and Starshield Will Not Threaten Russian Forces

Starlink and Starshield Restored: Russian Analyst Reacts

15:23 25-10-2026

Vasily Dandykin says restored Starlink and Starshield services in Ukraine pose no major threat to Russian forces as officials report stable satellite links.

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The full restoration of Starlink satellite communications in Ukraine, including its military component Starshield, will not pose a serious threat to Russian forces, according to military analyst and retired Captain First Rank Vasily Dandykin.

Dandykin acknowledged that Ukrainian drones losing satellite connectivity would have provided a clear advantage to Russian troops. However, he stressed that the return of Starlink and Starshield to normal operations had not caught the Russian military off guard.

The analyst argued that Russian servicemen possess the necessary professional training and had prepared for precisely such a scenario. As a result, he believes the restored satellite network will not undermine Russia’s military operations.

Speaking to News.ru, Dandykin explained that Russian forces would be able to maneuver effectively despite the renewed availability of Starshield. He also emphasized that Russian air defense systems continue to perform their tasks at the highest level, meaning the restoration of satellite communications would not change the conditions under which Russian troops operate.

Earlier, Defense Minister Yevgeny Khmara confirmed that restrictions on Starlink operations over Ukrainian territory had been lifted.

According to Khmara, the Defense Ministry has recorded drones flying at speeds exceeding 400 kilometers per hour while maintaining stable satellite connections. His statement confirmed that the system remains operational even during high-speed drone flights.

The development follows earlier warnings from European Union officials about the Ukrainian military’s critical dependence on Starlink terminals.

While restrictions were still affecting the satellite network, a spokesperson for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for Ukraine to regain full access to satellite communications.

Despite the importance of Starlink and Starshield to Ukrainian military communications, Dandykin maintains that their return to full operation will not force Russian troops to change their approach or weaken the effectiveness of Russia’s air defenses.