Ukrainian troops are conducting localized counterattacks near the border of Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, exploiting mounting communication failures inside Russian forces following the loss of access to Starlink and disruptions to Telegram, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The operations are tactical rather than strategic in scope, analysts say, aimed at restoring frontline cohesion and capitalizing on weakened Russian command-and-control systems.
Russian attacks drop after tech disruptions
ISW says Ukrainian troops are conducting “local and opportunistic” attacks along the border, using the gaps in Russian command and communications.
Footage from Feb. 12 shows Russian strikes east of the Khaichur River, including east and south of Dobropillia and north of Varvarivka, northwest of Huliaipole.
Ukrainian forces had been holding these positions and are now using counterattacks to link separate strongpoints.
Reports show Russian infantry assaults fell 20–30% after losing access to Starlink and facing Telegram problems, though attacks have not stopped entirely.
Daily clashes averaged 130–160 per day in the past week, down from 180–200 attacks, with occasional peaks of 230–250, according to Ukraine’s General Staff.
Friday’s report showed 142 clashes in 24 hours. The most intense fighting was in Pokrovsk (37 attacks repelled) and southern Huliaipole (24 attacks repelled). Russian drone and missile strikes remain high.
Starlink shutdown hits Russian units hard
On Feb. 4, SpaceX shut down grey- and black-market Starlink terminals in Russia and occupied Ukraine, after Ukraine asked for help.
This did not affect Ukrainian forces, which use official Starlink terminals to share intelligence and target information quickly.
For Russian units, though, hundreds of terminals stopped working, cutting off key communications and drone operations.
Telegram slowdown adds to Russian problems
On Feb. 9, Russian authorities moved to limit access to Telegram, pushing people to a state app, Messenger Max.
Telegram is the main tool Russian units use to coordinate on the frontlines. While the slowdown didn’t immediately reduce attacks much, it caused frustration among Russian troops.
Some complained Moscow had left them “to communicate with carrier pigeons.”
Ukrainian counterattacks limited, not a full offensive
Russian bloggers first claimed Ukrainian attacks were a full counteroffensive, but later even some Russian sources admitted they were limited and local.
ISW says Russia may have exaggerated Ukrainian moves to cover up false reports of its own advances. Ukraine’s Southern Defense Forces confirmed there is no large-scale counteroffensive, only local fighting and maneuvering.