Ukraine Says Starlink Cutoff, Strike Drones Slow Russia as Losses Hit 254 per sq km
Updated
Updated · Ukrainska Pravda · May 21
Ukraine Says Starlink Cutoff, Strike Drones Slow Russia as Losses Hit 254 per sq km
3 articles · Updated · Ukrainska Pravda · May 21
Ukraine has significantly slowed Russia’s advance and is gradually seizing the initiative, Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said, pointing to a battlefield edge that emerged after Starlink was disabled for Russian forces in February 2026.
Middle-range strike drones became a second key advantage, he said, with deeper attacks reducing Russian assault activity at the front as Ukraine expanded procurement of those systems.
Russian losses per square kilometer of advance climbed from 67 troops in October to 165 in January, 244 in February and 254 in March before easing to 179 in April, underscoring the rising cost of gains.
The assessment aligns with earlier reports of Ukraine’s biggest territorial gains since the 2024 Kursk operation, as medium-range strikes and counterattacks forced Russian redeployments and weakened offensive momentum.
As Ukraine's drones decimate troops, is Russia's war machine heading for a manpower and economic collapse?
With its economy faltering and casualties soaring, is Russia on the brink of a 1917-style internal collapse?
Turning the Tide: Ukraine’s 2026 Counteroffensive, Drone Dominance, and the Future of the Russia-Ukraine War
Overview
Between late January and May 2026, Ukraine achieved a significant shift in the war by launching successful counterattacks and making territorial gains, especially in the eastern and southern fronts. These advances allowed Ukrainian forces to regain the initiative, directly challenging Russian operational goals and forcing Russia to reconsider its strategies. Notably, Ukrainian troops made progress near Hirke and Staroukrainka and entered Svyatopetrivka, demonstrating their growing momentum. As a result, Russian forces struggled to restore their previous positions, highlighting Ukraine’s increasing effectiveness and marking a potential turning point in the conflict’s dynamics.