Elon Musk's efforts to stop Russia from using Starlink satellites for drone attacks have delivered real results, a Ukrainian official said. Praising the SpaceX founder as a true champion of freedom and a true friend of the Ukrainian people, defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Musk had swiftly responded when he was informed that Russian drones with Starlink connectivity were operating in the country.
The drones have been linked to multiple attacks by Russia on Ukraine, including a deadly incident on a moving passenger train.
Looks like the steps we took to stop the unauthorized use of Starlink by Russia have worked, Musk wrote on X. Let us know if more needs to be done.
Starlink satellites operated by SpaceX provide high-speed internet worldwide, and have been crucial for Ukraine since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Fedorov noted Russian drones are hard to counter due to their low-altitude flight and real-time control by distant operators. The Institute for the Study of War indicated that the Russian military's integration of Starlink with inexpensive kamikaze drones has significantly improved their battlefield efficiency.
While the exact measures taken to limit Starlink access remain unspecified, Ukraine's defence ministry has reported that SpaceX imposed a speed limit on terminals operating in Ukraine, enhancing the challenges for enemy operators.
As a future initiative, Fedorov announced plans to establish a whitelist for approved Starlink units in Ukraine while disconnecting unregistered terminals. He aims to collaborate closely with SpaceX to maintain cybersecurity and efficiency in operations.
Despite past tensions between Musk and Ukrainian officials, particularly over access to Starlink in Crimea, Fedorov’s recent praise highlights the pivotal impact of Musk's support for Ukraine's defense strategy.
The relationship between technology, warfare, and international support continues to evolve in this ongoing conflict, showcasing a new front in modern military engagement.
