Russia Expands Electronic Warfare Systems Against Starlink

Russian forces are increasing the number of electronic warfare (EW) systems that interfere with Starlink, Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, a freelance adviser to Ukraine’s president, wrote in a Facebook post on Nov. 2, 2026.EW means using radio signals to disrupt communications, navigation or control links. In this case, as Beskrestnov described in June, Russian forces point satellite dishes at a passing Starlink satellite and send interference on the frequencies it uses to receive signals from ground terminals. The satellite would then be unable to pick up signals from terminals in the covered area.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.Ukrainian forces use Starlink, including to guide strike drones, Ukrainian drone commanders told Reuters in July.Beskrestnov said the system works on the “object cover” principle and protects an area of about 25 square kilometers (around 10 square miles). Russian forces have covered almost all important sites in occupied Crimea with this type of EW and are using it more often along the front line, he added.He said the complex no longer looks like six trailers parked side by side on one site, as it did earlier, and that Russian forces now try to disguise it.Its core consists of direct-focus satellite dishes about one meter (3.3 feet) in diameter. Beskrestnov noted that the dishes need an unobstructed view, which limits how well they can be hidden.The system may be mounted on three to six trucks out of dozens. He also pointed to small trailers towed by passenger cars. Russian forces developed a variant with one antenna instead of two, placed in small trailers that stand near each other but are spread across the terrain. Other Topics of Interest Putin Calls Musk a ‘Genius,’ Claims Close Cooperation as Ukraine Faces Starlink Disruptions The Russian leader praised SpaceX’s satellite network and said Moscow remains in contact with Musk despite political differences. A camouflage net in the rear would draw attention immediately, so its use is unlikely. In his view, the system may operate under a polycarbonate canopy or plastic film, and he advised watching for opaque greenhouses.Beskrestnov also addressed claims that the complex consumes a large amount of power and must be installed near substations. He said this is not the case and that the complex can operate from generators. According to him, the system operates in the 14.0-14.5 GHz frequency range.Separately, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, Finnish satellite observation company ICEYE and Nokia signed a memorandum of intent. The document provides for developing and deploying sovereign, protected satellite communication systems under Ukraine’s direct control following recent Starlink disruptions amid Kyiv’s tense ties with Washington.In February, Ukraine worked with SpaceX to ban Russian use of Starlink systems by introducing a verification system. While the disruptions have helped Ukraine regain some lost ground, Russia has since deployed a limited number of Rassvet satellites to reduce its dependence on Starlink.By August, satellite communications expert Volodymyr Stepanets suggested the satellites began providing twice-daily coverage over Ukraine, each lasting an hour.Beskrestnov later said the satellites could help Russia guide its drones against Ukrainian cities. Anastasiia Bzova is journalist covering politics, culture and current affairs. She focuses on delivering accurate, accessible reporting that helps readers understand the issues shaping their opinions.