Ukrainian officials have hailed the effectiveness of Elon Musk's recent actions that restrict the use of Starlink satellites by Russian forces, which they claim have resulted in tangible outcomes. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov expressed gratitude, calling Musk a true champion of freedom and a friend of the Ukrainian people for his prompt response to concerns about Russian drones utilizing Starlink for attacks.
These drones have been implicated in numerous deadly strikes on Ukrainian territory, including an attack on a moving passenger train that resulted in six fatalities. Musk confirmed on X that the steps implemented to prevent unauthorized usage of Starlink had been effective and offered further assistance if necessary.
Starlink satellites, which provide global high-speed internet access, have been operational in Ukraine since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The government has reported that the Russian drones, particularly the low-altitude Molniya-2 models, have become more effective since being equipped with Starlink. They are challenging to counter as they fly under radar and operate via remote control.
In an effort to enhance defense capabilities, SpaceX has implemented a speed cap of 75 kilometers per hour for Starlink terminals within Ukraine’s borders, a move intended to outpace the faster Russian drones. Furthermore, the Ukrainian government is set to introduce a whitelist system to register Starlink terminals in use, with unregistered devices being disconnected.
Despite past tensions between Musk and the Ukrainian government over Starlink access, especially concerning Crimea, Fedorov emphasized the importance of Starlink for Ukraine’s state stability. The collaboration between Ukraine and SpaceX continues, aiming to fortify Ukraine's defense against ongoing Russian aggression.
