Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukraine’s military leadership is weighing a new and unconventional tactic in its defence against intensifying Russian drone assaults: temporarily slowing down mobile internet connections in targeted areas. The proposal, announced by Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov, is designed to limit the ability of Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to exploit Ukraine’s own communications networks during attacks.
Unlike a full shutdown, the measure would involve reducing the quality of service — particularly 4G and 5G speeds — in zones under threat. According to Hnatov, such a move could disrupt the drones’ capacity to transmit live video or coordinate strikes, while still allowing basic mobile communication for civilians.
“This is not a complete disruption,” Hnatov explained in an interview with the Ukrainian video channel Novyny Live. “It would be a controlled restriction of quality in certain areas, intended to stop enemy drones from using our operators’ networks for their missions.”
A Tactical Response to a Growing Threat
Over the past year, Russia has dramatically stepped up the scale and sophistication of its aerial campaign. Long-range drones are increasingly deployed to strike infrastructure, military positions, and energy facilities. Many of these UAVs are equipped with cameras and rely on high-speed mobile networks to stream images back to operators in real time.
Ukrainian defence analysts warn that this connectivity provides Russia with a dangerous advantage: the ability to adjust drone paths mid-flight and deliver strikes with greater precision. By limiting 4G and 5G coverage in specific hotspots, Ukraine hopes to cut that live link, effectively blinding the drones.
Local media reports suggest that even short interruptions in high-speed connectivity could hinder UAVs, particularly those with commercial-grade modems that depend on mobile internet to function effectively.
Balancing Security and Civilian Needs
For Ukraine’s leadership, the idea of slowing internet speeds highlights the difficult balance between national security and the everyday needs of citizens. Modern societies depend heavily on mobile connectivity — not only for personal communication, but also for business, healthcare, and emergency services.
A total mobile shutdown, as seen in some conflict zones worldwide, would likely spark frustration and even panic. By proposing a more measured step, Kyiv aims to reduce harm to civilians while still protecting critical infrastructure.
Analysts say the government will need to communicate the plan clearly to the public. “People need to understand why their internet may be slower at certain times,” notes Oksana Romaniuk, a Kyiv-based media freedom advocate. “Transparency will help avoid rumours and build trust that this is about protection, not control.”
Russia’s Playbook and Ukraine’s Adaptation
Interestingly, Ukraine’s consideration of this tactic mirrors steps already taken by Moscow. In territories under Russian control, authorities have repeatedly restricted or shut down mobile internet access to frustrate Ukrainian drone operations.
The difference, experts argue, lies in scale. Russia’s shutdowns have often been sweeping and indefinite. Ukraine’s plan, by contrast, appears more targeted and temporary. “It’s a tactical response, not a tool of censorship,” explains Serhiy Hrabsky, a retired Ukrainian colonel and military commentator. “The objective is purely to deny the enemy a battlefield advantage.”
This distinction is crucial in maintaining both international support and domestic resilience. Ukraine has consistently framed its war effort as a defence of democratic values — including freedom of information. Any perception of government overreach in communication restrictions could undermine that narrative.
Technical and Legal Considerations
To make the strategy work, Ukrainian authorities must rely on mobile network operators. These companies would need to throttle data speeds tower by tower, using precise geolocation tools. The challenge is ensuring restrictions remain limited to the intended zone without spilling over into neighbouring areas.
There are also legal dimensions. Ukrainian telecommunications law protects citizens’ right to access services, except under martial law provisions. Any temporary slowdown would need clear legal backing, both to reassure the public and to prevent abuse.
Cybersecurity experts caution that Russia may adapt quickly. “The risk is that the Russians will switch to satellite links or dedicated radio systems,” says Oleksandr Turchynov, a former national security official. “This measure may buy time, but it won’t solve the problem permanently.”
Broader Lessons for Africa and the World
Ukraine’s move carries lessons beyond Eastern Europe. Across Africa, mobile networks are increasingly vital not just for economic growth but also for security operations. Countries battling insurgencies, piracy, or cross-border terrorism face the same dilemma: hostile actors often exploit the very networks civilians depend on.
In recent years, nations such as Ethiopia, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have resorted to full internet shutdowns during periods of unrest or conflict. These actions, while disrupting hostile communications, have also cut off citizens from critical information and emergency services.
Ukraine’s experiment with targeted, temporary throttling offers a potential middle ground. If successful, it could serve as a model for states seeking to counter threats without imposing blanket blackouts. For Africa, where debates on digital rights and national security are intensifying, the Ukrainian case study is likely to spark fresh conversations.
The Road Ahead
As the war grinds into its fourth year, Ukraine’s defence strategy continues to evolve in real time. The proposed restrictions on mobile internet highlight how modern warfare extends beyond the battlefield into the digital infrastructure that underpins daily life.
The coming months will reveal whether Kyiv moves forward with this policy and how effective it proves against Russia’s expanding drone arsenal. For now, it underscores a larger truth: in 21st-century conflicts, the fight is not only for territory, but also for control of the invisible networks that connect people and machines.
