Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, working with SpaceX engineers, has disabled Starlink terminals used by Russian forces, officials said. In response, Russia is seeking to restore communications by coercing relatives of Ukrainian prisoners of war to register new devices in their own names, according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (KSHPOV).
The Coordination Headquarters said Russia is once again treating the relatives of captured Ukrainians as leverage for manipulation. Illegally obtained Starlink terminals had been used by Russian units to maintain battlefield communications and to operate loitering munitions, causing significant damage behind the lines, officials said.
“Looking for a way out of the difficult position they’re in, the occupiers have turned their attention to POWs’ families. There have been documented cases of threats and demands to officially register Starlink terminals in their names. This equipment is then used against Ukraine and Ukrainians,” the KSHPOV said.
The agency warned that cooperating with occupying forces is extremely dangerous because formal registration of an enemy terminal makes it easy to identify who did it, as Starlink requires identity verification.
“The enemy is exploiting families’ vulnerability. They are indifferent to Ukrainians’ fate—these people are a disposable resource to them. If a terminal is used to control drones that destroy infrastructure and take lives, the fact that it was registered by a Ukrainian citizen can be grounds for criminal liability,” the KSHPOV added.
Officials advised anyone who receives proposals or threats to register a Starlink terminal to immediately contact the Coordination Headquarters and law enforcement. The same applies to any other blackmail by the enemy. The KSHPOV said it will provide guidance on how to refuse demands without harming oneself or fellow citizens.
Earlier, Ukrainian officials said Russian troops had their Starlink access cut off. Ukraine’s General Staff reported that the loss of SpaceX satellite connectivity forced Russia to significantly reduce the number of assault operations along the front line.
Separately, the shutdown of Starlink units registered to Russian military personnel has created serious problems for forces in Russia, according to previous reporting. Elon Musk’s decision was based on pragmatic calculations, noting that overt support for Moscow could substantially reduce the value of the businessman’s assets.
