Starlink Satellite Service Blocked for Russian Drones
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, in collaboration with SpaceX, has implemented measures to prevent Russian attack drones from using the Starlink satellite internet service. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the plan, which involves the full verification of all Starlink terminals operating within Ukraine. This action addresses a significant vulnerability, as satellite communication has become a critical tool in modern warfare.
The cooperation between Ukraine and SpaceX involved direct engagement with company founder Elon Musk and President Gwynne Shotwell. The urgent need for these measures arose in January 2026, when Russian forces began widely equipping their Shahed, Gerbera, and new BM-35 drones with Starlink terminals. In response, initial restrictions were already in place by February 1, automatically blocking terminals moving at high speeds. The next phase will involve creating a whitelist of authorized terminals, allowing only those officially registered and verified by legitimate Ukrainian users to connect to the network.
Guidance for Legitimate Users
Minister Fedorov stated that instructions for Ukrainian users on how to register their Starlink terminals for verification will be published in the coming days.
“Unverified terminals will be disconnected. The registration process will be simple, fast, and convenient for users. We will publish detailed instructions soon. We thank Starlink and SpaceX for their cooperation and proactive stance in supporting Ukrainians,” Fedorov noted.
After Russian drones equipped with Starlink connectivity appeared over Ukrainian cities, the Defense Ministry team immediately contacted SpaceX.
“I am grateful to SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell and personally to Elon Musk for their swift reaction and the start of work to resolve the situation,” the minister emphasized.These actions are aimed at preventing the use of technologies that could threaten Ukraine's national security.
These steps highlight Ukraine's active efforts to defend its national security against the growing threat posed by Russian drones fitted with Starlink terminals. The partnership with SpaceX and the rollout of terminal verification form part of a broader strategy to maintain control over technologies that could be used in aggressive actions against Ukraine. This episode also underscores the vital importance of international security cooperation in the context of contemporary military conflicts.