After Ukrainian forces disabled Russian Starlink terminals, Russia’s drone activity dropped sharply. The use of Russian UAVs and drones fell elevenfold, and radio transmissions interception increased. At the same time, the Ministry of Defense introduced an After Action Review system to analyse attacks and strengthen air defence. This allowed rapid responses to Russian drone strikes and intense shelling.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the measures during a press briefing marking the first month of the Ministry’s updated team.
How disabling Russian Starlink helped Ukraine
The Ukrainian team responded quickly to Russia’s use of Starlink terminals for drone control. Thanks to an agreement with Elon Musk and SpaceX, Russian terminals were disabled. The move significantly increased civilian safety and improved the effectiveness of Ukrainian military operations.
“We have effectively cut off Russia’s communications,” Fedorov emphasized.
To monitor Starlink use in Ukraine, authorities introduced a terminal registration system and a “white list.” Only verified and registered devices are now operational; all others are disabled. The measure also forced Russian forces to halt assault operations in several frontline areas.
New system for analysing Russian attacks
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Defense launched the After Action Review system. It analyses every attack, drone trajectories, the effectiveness of short-range and long-range air defence, and the consequences of strikes. The system informs decisions on improving Ukraine’s defensive systems. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reviews this data daily during video briefings, alongside updates on energy infrastructure restoration.
Fedorov explained that these measures are part of Ukraine’s comprehensive plan to strengthen air defence, halt Russian forces, and deprive Russia of the economic resources needed to continue its aggression.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian air defence has destroyed over 140,000 targets, including 44,000 Shahed drones and more than 2,000 Kh-101 cruise missiles.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that 80% of Ukraine’s territory still lacks air defence systems capable of protecting against ballistic threats. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement.
