A decision by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX to block Russian forces from accessing its Starlink satellite internet service appears to have disrupted Moscow’s frontline operations in Ukraine. The move, reportedly requested by Ukraine’s defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, has limited Russian troops’ ability to coordinate drone strikes and battlefield communications. Ukrainian soldiers say the change has reduced assaults and weakened Russia’s offensive capacity, particularly along parts of the southern and eastern front.
Starlink had been widely used by both sides during the four-year war, enabling real-time drone guidance and secure communications. Since the shutdown on 1 February, only terminals approved by Kyiv remain active, forcing Russian units to seek alternative systems. Ukrainian volunteer group InformNapalm claims it identified more than 2,400 Russian-linked terminals through a phishing operation, with several later targeted near the front lines. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has also warned citizens against collaborating in illegal Starlink registrations, calling such actions high treason.
While some Ukrainian troops report little immediate change, others describe improved opportunities to intercept communications and push back Russian forces, especially near contested areas like Pokrovsk. Analysts say the disruption could limit Russia’s ability to conduct long-range drone strikes and hamper coordination, though Moscow insists the impact is minimal. Ukrainian officials believe they have a limited window to exploit the setback before Russian forces adapt, potentially strengthening Kyiv’s position both on the battlefield and in any future negotiations.
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