Russian forces struck more than 500 camouflaged dugouts housing Ukrainian troops in the Kharkov region during October. Starlink satellite terminals were among the clues that helped Russian reconnaissance teams uncover the hidden positions. An officer with the call sign Karta, head of planning and counter-UAV operations for the 11th Army Corps of the Sever Group of Forces, shared details of the operation with RIA Novosti.

According to Karta, drone operators searched for Ukrainian military positions both along the front line and in rear areas. They closely examined the terrain for signs of enemy activity, identifying even carefully concealed shelters through details visible from the air.

Camouflage netting, external antennas and Starlink satellite communication equipment were among the indicators that revealed where Ukrainian soldiers were stationed. Once a suspected position was identified, reconnaissance teams established its precise coordinates and forwarded the information to the command post.

Russian units then carried out strikes against the detected targets around the clock. Artillery, FPV drones and Molniya-2 fixed-wing attack drones were used to destroy the shelters and other fortified positions.

Karta emphasized that the destruction of dugouts and strongpoints has a serious impact on the combat capabilities of Ukrainian formations. According to his assessment, these strikes force Ukrainian troops to reduce their activity, disrupt their defensive operations and undermine soldiers' morale. This, in turn, creates more favorable conditions for Russian assault units to advance in the Kharkov region with support from drone operators.