Ukraine advances in Donbas with Starlink support despite US — SkimNews
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- Ukraine launched Operation Vivaldi, a four-phase counter-offensive in Donbas, liberating 277 sq km and freeing 16 settlements from Russian occupation.
- Revenge Brigade units, including the Silver Trinity, used drones and remote-controlled explosive vehicles to lead assaults, resulting in 250 Russian surrenders behind enemy lines.
- Starshield, the military version of Starlink, provided critical battlefield connectivity for drones and command systems, though Ukraine reported sudden restrictions without warning.
- Ukrainian commanders say Operation Vivaldi caused 8,000 Russian casualties in Donbas and nearly 50,000 along the front in September, with minimal Ukrainian losses.
- Commandant Phoenix stated that his unit faced up to 10 Russian drones daily, highlighting the persistent threat of aerial surveillance and strike drones.
- Volodymyr Zamota, the sole resident remaining in recaptured Karpivka, described surviving eight months in isolation after neighbors fled the 2025 Russian advance.
Why it matters: Ukraine’s gains shift the tactical balance in Donbas, demonstrating that digital warfare tools like Starshield are force multipliers—yet sudden restrictions on US-provided tech introduce operational risk at a critical moment, undermining trust in Western support just as momentum builds.
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