Stand behind Ukrainian independent journalism when it’s needed most. Help us reach 20,000 members.

Skip to content
Edit post

Russian drones use Ukrainian SIMs for flight guidance

by Lance Luo December 2, 2023 2:20 AM 1 min read
Kyivstar (Open Source/Creative Commons)
This audio is created with AI assistance

Ukrainian SIM cards issued by the Kyivstar mobile operator have been found in downed Shahed drones, local media reported on Dec. 1.

Russian drone operators are exploiting the Kyivstar network to better steer and direct the Shahed UAVs towards targets, most of which have been critical energy infrastructure, the ISW says.

The Kyivstar company, a subsidiary of Netherlands-incorporated holding company VEON, says it is working with law enforcement.

Air force spokesperson Yuriy Ignat confirmed in a statement to local media that a 4G SIM with a Kyivstar SIM card was found in a Russian UAV.

“It is clear that all that exists is studied by experts, and it is not always necessary to disclose whether we know something or not. But there are such cases. They are publicized.”

Independent journalism needs a community —
not a paywall.

We’re working hard to show the world the truth of Russia’s brutal war — and we’re keeping it free for everyone, because reliable information should be available to all.

Our goal: reach 20,000 members to prove independent journalism can survive without paywalls, billionaires, or compromise. Will you help us do it?

Can we reach 20,000 members?

News Feed

5:44 PM  (Updated: )

Trump calls Putin after Ukraine, Russia peace talks in Istanbul.

The call comes days after largely inconclusive negotiations in Istanbul, where Russia sent a delegation of low-level officials and reiterated sweeping territorial demands, including that Ukraine accept the loss of Crimea and four eastern regions.
MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.