Colonel Ants Kiviselg, the head of the Estonian Defense Forces' intelligence center, highlighted the significant challenges faced by Russian forces in Ukraine due to communication restrictions imposed by both external and internal factors. Notably, SpaceX's decision to restrict Starlink satellite communications for Russian troops and the Russian government's limitation on the use of the messaging platform Telegram have hindered the operational capabilities of the Russian military. Kiviselg explained that these restrictions have influenced the dynamics of combat and the flow of information among Russian troops in occupied territories.

He elaborated that the limitations on Starlink have led to a decrease in drone attacks carried out by the Russian Armed Forces against Ukrainian rear units, while restrictions on social media usage have slowed down information transmission within Russian military ranks. This has specifically affected coordination and communication regarding artillery orders and overall command, thus complicating the command structure of Russian forces. Kiviselg noted that these communication challenges have indirectly bolstered Ukrainian counter-offensives by creating confusion within Russian operations.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to highlight the importance of communication technology in modern warfare, as restrictions not only hinder enemy movements but also provide adversaries with tactical advantages. The implications of these findings suggest that military strategies will need to adapt to the changing landscape of digital communication and its crucial role on the battlefield.