Musk: SpaceX Blocks Unauthorized Russian Access to Starlink

On Sunday, Elon Musk announced that SpaceX has successfully cut off “unauthorized” access to the Starlink satellite system, which has been used by Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

According to Musk, the Russian drone network lost access to Starlink after Ukrainian officials informed him last week about its illicit use of the system.

Musk expressed optimism on X, saying, “It appears that the steps we took to prevent Russia from misusing Starlink are working.”

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed that efforts are underway not just to remove Russian hackers from Starlink but also to ensure that the terminals function solely within Ukrainian borders.

Fedorov mentioned, “Ukraine, in cooperation with @Starlink, has already taken the first steps to bring rapid results in countering Russian drones,” on X.

He added that the next phase involves creating a system that permits only authorized terminals to operate in Ukraine. New instructions for Ukrainian users will soon be issued to verify their Starlink devices; any unverified hardware will be disabled.

Fedorov’s team reached out to SpaceX after reports surfaced that Russian drones using Starlink connections were spotted over Ukrainian cities.

According to reports, Russian forces have increased their reliance on Starlink to enhance the operational range of their attack drones, contravening SpaceX’s policy, which clearly states that it does not sell or distribute Starlink terminals in Russia.

Musk had previously indicated that while military applications of the technology are permissible, its use for offensive operations is forbidden.

It is believed that Russian forces have captured and commandeered Starlink terminals from regions previously held by Ukraine.

Starlink has been pivotal in supporting Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, with Fedorov calling the technology “crucial” for the country’s defense.