Starlink closed for Russia: Musk shut down satellite internet in the war in Ukraine

Elon Musk stated that SpaceX has stopped unauthorized access by the Russian army to the Starlink satellite internet network in Ukraine. This concerns the “pirate use” of terminals that previously allowed Russian units to control drones and maintain communication at the front and rear.

According to Elon Musk, the measures taken have yielded results. He wrote that the steps to stop illegal access “worked,” and the network can no longer be used by the Russian side for military purposes.

Now the Russian army’s capabilities for targeting and controlling drones are significantly reduced. This is also confirmed in Kyiv. Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov noted that SpaceX’s actions have already affected the situation in the combat zone and have reduced the effectiveness of Russian drone attacks.

The Ukrainian government emphasizes that cooperation with SpaceX will continue, but only on terms that exclude any use of Starlink against Ukraine. It is in this context that a new access control system is being launched in the country.

“White List” Starlink: How the New System Will Work

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a mechanism for mandatory verification of satellite terminals. In the near future, only officially registered Starlink devices will be able to operate in the country. All terminals that do not pass the check will be disconnected.

As Fedorov explained, the decision was a response to the active use of Starlink by Russian troops, including for controlling kamikaze drones. These devices are difficult to intercept, resistant to electronic warfare, and capable of operating at long distances in real-time.

For citizens, the registration process promises to be as simple as possible: one free visit to the CNAP without bureaucratic procedures. Businesses will be able to verify online through the “Diia” portal. The military will not need to contact civilian institutions — a secure channel through the DELTA system is already in place for the Defense Forces.

Fedorov emphasizes: the military does not need to transfer logins, passwords, or put equipment on the balance of units. It is enough to add the terminal to the “white list” to avoid blocking and maintain communication.

Context of War and International Reaction

Earlier, the Institute for the Study of War reported that Russian forces increasingly used Starlink to extend the range of BM-35 drones. This directly violated the company’s policy, which after the start of the full-scale war stated that it would not sell equipment to Russia or cooperate with its army.

Nevertheless, Russian military managed to capture some terminals in occupied territories, which became the source of the problem. Now this channel is effectively blocked.

The story sparked a sharp discussion in Europe. Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski previously accused Musk of the fact that Russia’s use of Starlink “damages the brand’s reputation” and is indirectly linked to war crimes. Musk then responded sharply, stating that without Starlink, Ukraine would not have been able to hold the front.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also disputed Sikorski’s criticism, emphasizing that Starlink was one of the factors that allowed Ukraine not to lose the war at an early stage.

Why This Decision Changes the Balance

Disabling unauthorized terminals and implementing a “white list” means systematic control over satellite communications in the combat zone. Ukraine retains access to critically important infrastructure, while Russia loses the technological advantage it used against civilian and military infrastructure.

It is here that it becomes clear why the topic of Starlink goes far beyond technology. It is a matter of security, survival, and control over war in the 21st century — and here the position of NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency is principled: access to high-tech systems cannot remain a gray area when it comes to people’s lives and the protection of states.

Detailed instructions for terminal registration will be published soon. Ukrainian authorities emphasize that the measure is forced but necessary — for the sake of maintaining communication, security, and human lives.