Ukrainian medium-range attack drones continue to penetrate deep into Russian rear areas, striking supply lines, fuel depots, and command posts, forcing Russian forces to constantly adapt counter-tactics. In addition to camouflaging military supplies as civilian vehicles, Russian forces have recently begun deploying electronic warfare systems that can interfere with the Starlink satellite network, aiming to weaken the long-range combat capability of Ukrainian drones.
Reuters reports that multiple commanders of the Ukrainian 422nd Unmanned Systems Regiment stated that since the beginning of this year, medium-range attack drones have continuously struck important military targets in the Russian rear, putting pressure on supplies and fuel transportation, and even causing fuel shortages in Russian-occupied Crimea. In response to the attacks, Russian forces have simultaneously adjusted their electronic warfare and logistics resupply methods.
Ukrainian forces noted that most medium-range attack drones are remotely controlled via the Starlink satellite network. Ukrainian Defense Ministry advisor Serhii Beskrestnov said Russian forces have deployed an electronic jamming system called "Volna Kupol Garant," which can emit strong signals over an area of about 20 square kilometers, affecting Starlink connections. About 10 such systems have been discovered so far.
However, these jamming devices have also become priority targets for Ukrainian forces. The 422nd Unmanned Systems Regiment revealed that the unit, in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), has destroyed two of these systems, one of which was hit by a drone just hours after being detected. Operators said that after the jammer was destroyed, the Starlink-equipped drone quickly resumed normal communications, allowing subsequent missions to be carried out smoothly.
Fuel Trucks Turned into Milk Trucks: Russian Resupply Methods Completely Changed
In addition to electronic warfare, Russian forces have also begun changing their resupply methods. Ukrainian commanders said they have destroyed transport vehicles painted to look like water trucks or milk trucks, only to find after they caught fire that they were carrying gasoline or diesel. Russian forces have also switched to using small fuel tanker convoys to transport fuel, escorted by pickup trucks mounted with machine guns, and using rural roads to reduce the chance of being spotted by drones.
Ukrainian military intelligence units said Russian forces have recently been using civilian cars, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and motorcycles to transport fuel, ammunition, and supplies, and are hiding military supplies in abandoned buildings, agricultural facilities, and underground shelters. Some civilian gas stations are even being used as military fuel storage points to reduce the risk of precision strikes by Ukrainian forces.
Rob Lee, a senior researcher at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in the United States, noted that the Ukrainian medium-range drone offensive is one of the most important developments on the battlefield this year. Russian forces have gradually established some countermeasures; if they continue to expand the deployment of electronic jamming equipment, the difficulty for Ukrainian forces to launch medium-range drone attacks will increase.
