Elon Musk\u2019s SpaceX has imposed new restrictions on its Starlink satellite internet system in Ukraine after Kyiv warned that Russian forces were using the service to guide attack drones.<\/p>\n
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Ukraine\u2019s defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the measures, introduced over the weekend, have already produced results on the battlefield. The action followed urgent talks between Ukrainian officials and SpaceX over what Kyiv described as the unauthorised use of Starlink by Russian forces.<\/p>\n
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SpaceX limited internet access for Starlink terminals operating in Ukraine if they move at speeds above 75 kilometres per hour. The restriction aims to prevent the system from being used on fast-moving drones, which Russia has increasingly equipped with satellite terminals to strike targets deep inside Ukrainian territory.<\/p>\n
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Starlink provides high-speed internet through a constellation of satellites and has operated in Ukraine since the first days of Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian military units, government agencies, hospitals, businesses, and civilians rely on the system for communications, coordination, and drone operations.<\/p>\n
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Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have used Starlink-linked equipment near the front line for years. Ukrainian officials say Russia has circumvented US sanctions by acquiring terminals through third countries and grey markets, despite the system being banned for sale or use inside Russia.<\/p>\n
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Fedorov said Russian drones connected to Starlink present a distinct challenge. He said such drones are difficult to jam using radio or GPS interference and allow operators to control them in real time from tens or even hundreds of kilometres away.<\/p>\n
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\u201cStarlink-connected drones are harder to counter than ordinary drones,\u201d Fedorov said in a post on X<\/a>, thanking Musk for what he called a rapid response.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Musk replied<\/a> that the steps taken to stop unauthorised Russian use had worked. \u201cLet us know if more needs to be done,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The speed restriction introduced by SpaceX affects Ukrainian forces as well. Both sides have relied on Starlink-equipped drones along the front. Beskrestnov said some Ukrainian users experienced temporary disruptions as a result of the measures.<\/p>\n
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