Ukraine Mandates Registration for All Starlink Terminals on a New 'White List'

Ukraine's Government to Create a 'White List' for Starlink Devices

According to ХВИЛЯ: The Ukrainian government has passed a resolution to establish a 'white list' for Starlink satellite internet terminals. Any devices not registered on this list will be subject to disconnection, according to a statement from Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov. The terminal authorization process and registry creation are being implemented in cooperation with SpaceX. This move is part of broader efforts to secure critical communications infrastructure during the ongoing conflict.

How to Register a Terminal

For private citizens, the registration process is free and requires only a single visit to an Administrative Services Center (ASC). Businesses will be able to complete verification online via the 'Diia' portal. Military personnel will have access to a separate, secure registration channel operating through the DELTA system. The Ministry of Defense is expected to publish detailed registration instructions shortly.

As Mykhailo Fedorov noted, 'Russian drones equipped with these terminals are difficult to shoot down due to their ability to fly at low altitudes and their resistance to electronic warfare measures.'

He explained that such drones can be controlled in real-time by an operator over long distances. Fedorov also emphasized that the Defense Forces already have a dedicated, secure channel via DELTA, so there is no need for military units to put personal terminals on their official accounts or share login credentials. The primary goal for all users is to safeguard their terminal from being blocked by enrolling it in the 'white list'. SpaceX founder Elon Musk has confirmed the initial successful results of restricting the Russian Federation's access to the Starlink network.

The introduction of the 'white list' is a significant step for Ukraine in controlling the use of satellite internet amid active warfare. This decision aims to prevent potential misuse of the terminals by hostile forces, particularly for operating drones, which poses a direct threat to Ukraine's security. The streamlined registration channels for civilians and businesses are designed to simplify the process while ensuring a proper level of protection for information and communications.