Ukrainian Army Loses 1 Soldier for Every 13 Enemy Soldiers After Starlink Shutdown

The activity of Russian drones has sharply decreased.

Against the backdrop of the blocking of unauthorized Starlink terminals, Russia's personnel losses have reached the highest level since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. This was reported by the New York Post, citing representatives of U.S. and Ukrainian intelligence.

The publication recalled that on February 1, SpaceX blocked unauthorized Starlink terminals after they were found on Russian drones. As a result, the intensity of assault operations by the Russian Federation decreased.

"In the three to four days following the shutdown, they [the Russians] really reduced their assault operations," confirmed Lieutenant Denis Yaroslavsky, commander of a special reconnaissance unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Another military officer, the commander of a unit of the 3rd Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the call sign "Jackie," stated that even before the Starlink shutdown, the loss ratio in certain areas of the front reached 20 Russian soldiers for every Ukrainian soldier. According to him, in regular units, this figure was 5:1 or 8:1, and after access to Starlink was restricted, it could rise to 13:1.

Analysts believe, as reported by NYP, that any weakening of Russia's combat capabilities could shift the balance in favor of Ukraine.

It is noted that the shutdown of Starlink also affected the communication systems and combat methods of the Russian army, impacting the most basic tools necessary for warfare.

"I am sure that the Russians have [alternative options], but it takes time to implement them to the fullest, and it will take at least four to six months," Yaroslavsky said.

For example, the publication notes, the activity of the Russian drone unit "Rubicon" sharply decreased after the restrictions were imposed. This unit used Starlink to extend the range of strike drones and coordinate attacks deep into the rear of Ukrainian forces, giving Moscow a technological advantage at key points on the front.

As noted by the Institute for the Study of War, "Rubicon" usually publishes details of its strikes on Telegram; however, since the Starlink shutdown, this practice has ceased, indicating that SpaceX's decision negatively impacted the strike campaign of the Russian unit.