Illegal Starlink terminals helped Russia advance on the front, including the capture of Vuhledar — The Washington Post.

According to Ukrainian military personnel, there is a thriving black market supplying Starlink terminals to Russians on the front line, and their distribution has become a key factor in Russia’s recent successes during its offensive.

Six Ukrainian soldiers and officers from various units in Donetsk told The Washington Post that Russia has bridged the technological gap, making its forces more cohesive and increasing the number and accuracy of their attacks.

An officer from the 72nd Mechanized Brigade, which has been defending the Vuhledar area since 2022 and was recently forced to retreat, called Russia’s use of the Starlink system one of the critical factors, alongside a shortage of manpower and weapons, that hastened the fall of Vuhledar.

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