The Starlink blockade against Russian military use in Ukraine appears to be working, according to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, as Kyiv and U.S. officials monitor ongoing developments in the war. The Starlink blockade follows reports that Russian forces captured Starlink internet terminals and attempted to use them for battlefield and drone operations.
Musk confirmed Sunday that SpaceX took steps to prevent Russia from making “unauthorized” use of the satellite internet systems. Starlink terminals have played a key role in supporting Ukrainian forces since Russia’s invasion, but some devices were seized by Russian troops during fighting. Ukrainian officials said they quickly contacted SpaceX after discovering Russian drones operating over Ukrainian cities using Starlink connectivity.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine is now developing a system to restrict Starlink access. “Ukraine, together with Starlink, has already taken the first steps that delivered rapid results in countering Russian drones,” Fedorov wrote. “The next step is implementing a system that will allow only authorized terminals to operate on the territory of Ukraine.”
Musk responded publicly, writing, “Looks like the steps we took to stop the unauthorized use of Starlink by Russia have worked. Let us know if more needs to be done.” Fedorov later thanked Musk for the cooperation and rapid response.
The Starlink issue unfolded as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a new round of peace talks will take place this week with representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. “Ukraine is ready for a substantive discussion,” Zelenskyy wrote, while acknowledging unresolved disputes over occupied territory.
Zelenskyy also expressed skepticism about Moscow’s intentions, stating, “I do not believe that Russia wants to end the war.”
