SpaceX is restricting unauthorized use of Starlink by Russian forces after a strike on a civilian Ukrainian train.
Serhii Beskrestnov (Flash), an adviser to Ukraine’s defense minister, said Russian troops are experiencing major setbacks at the front due to Starlink terminals being blocked for several days.
“The enemy at the front isn’t just facing a problem - the enemy is facing a catastrophe. Command-and-control has collapsed. Assault operations have been halted in many sectors,” Flash said.
He added that Ukrainian troops only encountered issues in units that did not promptly submit lists for private Starlink terminals. Processing is ongoing.
Earlier, reports indicated Russian forces have increasingly been using drones equipped with Starlink to evade air defenses.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation said it is introducing “whitelists” for internet access in coordination with SpaceX. Terminals will operate with speed limits while in motion.
The Russian military has not commented on Flash’s claims.
Previously, it was reported that Russians used Shahed drones with Starlink satellite internet terminals near Kropyvnytskyi. Drones under manual control were flying almost at ground level, evading radar detection, and struck Ukrainian helicopters.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski had urged Elon Musk to respond to Russia’s growing use of Starlink terminals in drones attacking Ukraine.
