Russian Military and Starlink: Officials Reveal Unusual Battlefield Use
News and analytical materials - PravdaReport [Unofficial]
February 17, 2026
Starlink satellite communication terminals reportedly appeared in limited use among certain Russian military units, primarily for deception tactics and deep-strike coordination. Valery Tishkov, head of the Main Communications Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces, made this statement during a broadcast on Russia-1.
Military Communications System Remains Stable
Tishkov emphasized that command personnel rely on domestically produced communication services. He stated that the combat control system operates reliably and consistently supports command and coordination functions across the front line. According to his remarks, isolated use of Starlink terminals did not define core military communications.
Starlink Shutdown and Operational Impact
Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko stated that recent Starlink restrictions did not disrupt Russian command and control systems within the operation zone. He noted that authorities had disabled the terminals for two weeks without reducing the effectiveness or operational tempo of unmanned systems units.
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