Elon Musk Disables Starlink Access for Russia Amid Ukraine Conflict
In a strategic move, Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, announced that his company has successfully neutralized the Russian military's access to the Starlink satellite system. This decision follows Ukrainian intelligence reports indicating that Moscow was using the technology to direct suicide drone attacks.
Musk stated via his account on platform X:
"It appears that the measures we have implemented to stop the illegal use of Starlink by Russia have been effective," asserting that the technical steps taken by the company led to the disconnection of Russian drone networks from satellite services.
This action comes after official Ukrainian reports revealed that Russian forces had infiltrated Starlink receivers and used them to enhance the range of BM-35 model suicide drone attacks within Ukraine.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov disclosed a close collaboration with SpaceX to ensure complete technical sovereignty over Ukrainian airspace. He clarified that new security protocols are being implemented, including geographic limitations and ensuring that only authorized devices operate within Ukraine's borders. Additionally, all users will be required to officially register their devices in the coming days, with undocumented devices or those used by unauthorized parties being disabled.
It is important to note that SpaceX has previously emphasized its strict policy of not engaging with the Kremlin or providing any equipment to the Russian military. It is believed that Russian forces obtained some of these devices through appropriation and theft in occupied areas of Ukraine, subsequently reprogramming them for offensive purposes, which directly violates the company's usage policy.
Since the onset of the war in February 2022, Starlink has been a cornerstone of Ukraine's defensive communications, with officials in Kyiv describing it as the "invisible weapon" that has prevented the country's information infrastructure from collapsing.
