After Kyiv and SpaceX agreed to limit Starlink access to terminals registered with Ukraine, many Russian frontline units reportedly lost satellite internet connections. The move — which included a whitelist and a 75 kph cutoff intended to disable devices on fast platforms — has disrupted drone targeting, UGV logistics and battlefield communications. Analysts say the restriction offers Kyiv a short-term tactical advantage, though Russia can pursue alternate communications, domestic satellite systems and other workarounds.
Starlink Cut-Off Sends Russian Forces Back To Old-School Radios — Kyiv Gains Short-Term Edge
The move means Russian forces can no longer strap Starlink terminals to long-range drones - Russian Defense Ministry Press Service/AP
Russian frontline units fighting in Ukraine have reportedly lost access to a large share of Starlink satellite connections after SpaceX and Kyiv agreed to limit service to devices registered with Ukrainian authorities. Pro-Kremlin bloggers claim nearly 90% of Russian formations saw their Starlink links severed, a development that has disrupted battlefield communications and drone operations on both sides of the front.
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s defence minister, struck a deal with Elon Musk that caused Russia to lose their connections - Andrii Nesterenko/Reuters
What Happened
Ukraine’s digital minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, notified Elon Musk and SpaceX after intelligence suggested Russian forces were attaching Starlink terminals to long-range drones to improve targeting and evade jamming. SpaceX and Kyiv implemented a whitelist of authorised terminals and introduced a speed-based cutoff (reported at 75 kph) intended to disable devices attached to fast-moving platforms such as missiles or certain drones.
0702 Starlink in Ukraine
Immediate Effects
Operational disruption: Analysts and frontline reports say the blacklist and technical limits have caused immediate communications outages for many Russian units, complicating command-and-control, drone guidance and unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) logistics. One Russian war blogger quoted on social media said, “We’ve been left without communication,” while others described appeals for conventional walkie-talkies and radio sets.
The shutdown has seriously undermined Russia’s war effort - Serhii Flash
“Because Starlink terminals are blocked on virtually all fronts, command and control of troops has become difficult.”
Impact on drones and UGVs: SpaceX terminals reportedly served as a key link between operators and aerial or ground unmanned systems. Short-term effects include reduced effectiveness of medium-range strikes and resupply missions using UGVs.
Russia is developing its own satellite internet system - Russian Defense Ministry/AP
Adaptation And Limits
Experts caution that the disruption is likely temporary. Russian forces can — and reportedly already have — relied on alternative communications: conventional radios, cellular modems (including SIMs from regional providers), ground networks, and state satellite services. Russia is also developing its own low-Earth orbit satellite internet capability. Analysts predict Moscow will adapt its tactics and workarounds over time, dampening the long-term impact.
Costs For Ukraine
The new rules have also created problems for some Ukrainian units. Several frontline teams purchased or received donated Starlink terminals and rely on them. There are reports of authorised Ukrainian terminals going dark despite being submitted for approval, which underscores the challenges of rapidly implementing usage controls in an active combat zone.
What Analysts Say
Observers describe the move as a meaningful short-term advantage for Kyiv that degrades certain Russian capabilities, particularly in drone guidance and remote logistics. But most analysts expect the effect to be temporary as both sides adapt with alternate communications and technical workarounds.
Bottom line: The Starlink restriction appears to have disrupted Russian battlefield communications and unmanned systems in the near term, giving Kyiv an operational window — but it is not a decisive strategic blow and will likely prompt rapid countermeasures.
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