Russian forces face severe coordination issues after Elon Musk disabled their Starlink terminals, leading to friendly fire incidents and stalled operations.
Command Paralysis on Frontline
Russian troops are experiencing significant command breakdowns along the entire front following the Starlink shutdown. The Ukrainian Tatar resistance movement Atesz reports cases of friendly fire, including an incident in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Oblast. “Lack of coordination is already causing heavy losses—not just from the enemy,” Atesz stated, citing Ukrainian military sources.
Musk Disables Russian Terminals
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed on Thursday (February 5) that Russian Starlink terminals are now blocked while Ukrainian terminals on a whitelist remain functional. Advisor Serhii Beskrestnov described the communication disruption as a “catastrophe” for Russian frontline forces, noting that military command has collapsed and assault operations have halted on multiple sectors. Ukrainian users must now register on a special list to access Starlink services.
Devastating Russian Night Attack
Russia launched a massive overnight assault with 400 drones and 40 missiles targeting energy infrastructure, primarily in western Ukraine. The strikes caused severe power grid deficits, damaging power plants in Dobrotvior (Lviv Oblast) and Burshtyn (Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast), along with key substations. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, reflecting Russia’s rejection of diplomatic solutions. Ukraine has requested emergency energy supplies from Poland.
Ukrainian Counterattacks
Ukrainian forces struck an oil depot in Russia’s Saratov Oblast, a Russian troop concentration in Belgorod Oblast, and military targets in occupied territories. The Ukrainian General Staff also reported attacks on Russian drone control points, repair units, and missile systems.
