Story perspectives

Ukrainian Forces Regain 201 km² Amid Starlink Disruptions

2/17/2026

Center

Ukrainian Forces Advance

Ukrainian forces recaptured 201 square kilometers from Russia Feb 1–5, 2023, aided by Starlink shutdown for Russian troops.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) attribute this to disruptions caused by Elon Musk's Starlink measures.
The regained territory lies 80 kilometers east of Zaporizhzhia, where Russian advances had been notable since summer 2025.
As of mid-February, Russia controlled 19.5% of Ukrainian territory, up from 18.6% prior year.

Right

SpaceX Disrupts Russian Communications

SpaceX blocked unauthorized Starlink satellite internet access for Russian forces in Ukraine on February 1.
This prevented Russian users from connecting to Starlink and hindered their communications and drone coordination.
Ukrainian forces report improved casualty rates, inflicting up to 20 Russian casualties for every one lost.
Analysts say degradation of Russia’s battlefield capabilities could shift leverage to Ukraine as the United States seeks a negotiated end to the conflict.

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Ukrainian Forces Advance

Ukrainian forces recaptured 201 square kilometers from Russia Feb 1–5, 2023, aided by Starlink shutdown for Russian troops.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) attribute this to disruptions caused by Elon Musk's Starlink measures.
The regained territory lies 80 kilometers east of Zaporizhzhia, where Russian advances had been notable since summer 2025.
As of mid-February, Russia controlled 19.5% of Ukrainian territory, up from 18.6% prior year.

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