Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Authorities emphazises that it will not disrupt the life of everyday Ukrainians.
Authorities emphazises that it will not disrupt the life of everyday Ukrainians.
What is happening?
Ukraine may deliberately reduce mobile internet speeds in specific areas during Russian drone attacks, according to a top military official.
However, the reduction is not an attempt at making life more difficult for everyday Ukrainians – instead, it’s an effort to protect them.
Taking away key component of Russia’s drone attacks
According to the Chief of General Staff, Andriy Hnatov, the aim is to block enemy drones from accessing the internet and coordinating strikes through Ukrainian mobile networks.
A tactical move, not a total shutdown
“This is not a disruption of mobile communications,” clarified Andriy Hnatov during an interview with Ukrainian channel Novyny Live.
“But rather a restriction on the quality of communications in certain areas, like a restriction on 4G and 5G communication.”
Why slowing the signal matters
Hnatov explained the reasoning: drones used by Russian forces often rely on 4G or 5G networks to transmit real-time footage and data.
By restricting high-speed access, Ukraine aims to cut off these critical drone capabilities mid-flight.
Russia’s drone surge escalates the threat
Over three and a half years into the war, Russia has significantly increased both the number and sophistication of its drone attacks.
These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now more frequently used to target Ukraine’s strategic infrastructure, creating growing pressure on defense tactics.
Drones need speed
Modern UAVs used in warfare typically carry cameras that stream live footage. These feeds require fast mobile internet to function.
Blocking 4G and 5G effectively blinds the drones and disrupts their operations.
Following Russia’s playbook
Interestingly, Russia itself has often shut down mobile internet in its own territory to counter Ukrainian drone attacks.
Now, Ukraine appears to be adopting a similar approach, using connectivity restrictions as a defensive tool.
Controlled, localised restrictions
Ukraine is not implementing a nationwide mobile shutdown, but rather localized, temporary slowdowns.
These restrictions are likely applied in areas under immediate threat from aerial attacks, minimizing wider civilian impact.
Public communication still a priority
Despite the need for tactical limitations, Ukraine’s military stresses that everyday communication for civilians is not being intentionally disrupted.
The aim is precision—not panic.
Striking a balance between security and connectivity
As drone warfare evolves, Ukraine is walking a fine line—protecting its infrastructure while trying not to alienate civilians or disrupt daily life more than necessary.
The outcome may shape how future conflicts manage mobile networks under fire.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
