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Russia's pro-war milieu is openly criticizing the military leadership for fabricating battlefield progress. DeepState data shows Russian advances collapsed from 445 sq km in December to 245 sq km in January—nearly half. CSIS confirms Russia controls only 0.6% of Ukraine's territory gained in 2024 (3,604 sq km) at cost of 35,000+ casualties monthly.

February 4: Ukraine/SpaceX enable "whitelist" mode, disabling unverified terminals Russians acquired through gray-market schemes (purchased abroad, activated, resold to units via Z-volunteers). Z-channel Belarusian Silovik: "Almost 90% of units I support have no internet right now." Impact immediate: Politico sources report Russian advance pace "noticeably slowed" within 48 hours; Ukraine's General Staff source says "in some sectors, assaults stopped altogether"—Russian troops like "blind kittens." Z-space consensus: no viable alternatives exist. Voennyi Osvedomitel mocks: "Fighting NATO while relying on NATO satellite internet—and not developing alternatives—is a so-so idea." Drone developer Chadaev blames "Collective Leadership" being "repulsed by horizontal ties." Z-authors recall generals imprisoned for theft in military communications projects.

February 6: Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev (GRU First Deputy Chief, reports to Admiral Kostyukov who leads Russia's negotiation delegation) targeted in Moscow—fourth rear-area assassination attempt on general since invasion began. Lavrov blames "Zelensky regime," but Ukraine didn't claim responsibility and Washington Post reports Western intelligence doubts Kyiv involvement.