Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukraine’s Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Thursday that Kyiv is in direct contact with SpaceX following allegations that Russian forces have been using Starlink satellite internet to guide drone strikes against Ukrainian cities.
Fedorov revealed on social media that his ministry acted swiftly after reports emerged of Russian drones connected to Starlink appearing over urban areas.
“Within hours of Russian drones with Starlink connectivity appearing over Ukrainian cities, the Ministry of Defence team promptly contacted SpaceX and proposed ways to resolve the problem,” Fedorov said.
“I’m grateful to SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell and personally to Elon Musk for their swift response.”
Allegations of Starlink Use by Russian Forces
Earlier this week, both Fedorov and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a U.S.-based think tank, reported that Russian forces were increasingly using Starlink systems to extend the range of BM-35 strike drones, enabling mid-range strikes deep into Ukrainian territory.
The allegations come as Russia intensifies its campaign against Ukraine’s energy grid, with temperatures plunging below freezing and the fourth anniversary of the invasion approaching.
Starlink’s Role in Ukraine
Starlink has been a critical tool for Ukraine’s military since the early days of the war. Musk’s decision to urgently activate the service and send terminals to Ukraine in 2022 was hailed as vital for maintaining communications and resilience during Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“Elon Musk’s decision to urgently activate Starlink and send the first batch of terminals to Ukraine at the start of the full-scale invasion was critically important for our country’s resilience,” Fedorov noted.
“Western technologies must continue to support the democratic world and protect civilians, not be used for terror and the destruction of peaceful cities.”
Strategic Implications
The allegations highlight the complex role of Western technologies in modern warfare. While Starlink has bolstered Ukraine’s communications, its potential misuse by Russian forces underscores the challenges of safeguarding dual-use technologies in conflict zones.
SpaceX has not publicly commented on the specific allegations but is reportedly working with Ukrainian officials to address the issue.
Conclusion
As Ukraine braces for another winter under attack, the controversy over Starlink’s alleged use by Russian drones raises urgent questions about technology governance in wartime. For Kyiv, ensuring that Western innovations remain tools of defense rather than instruments of terror is now a critical priority.
