Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed on Thursday that Kyiv is actively engaging with SpaceX concerning allegations that Russian military drones are employing the Starlink satellite internet system during strikes on Ukrainian cities. This action raises immediate concerns regarding the potential diversion of Western technology to aid Russia’s ongoing military objectives against democratic nations.
Fedorov stated on social media that within hours of identifying drones utilizing Starlink connectivity over Ukrainian urban centers, the Ministry of Defence team contacted SpaceX to propose immediate resolution mechanisms. The Minister expressed gratitude towards SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell and Elon Musk for their prompt acknowledgment of the issue, signaling a potentially cooperative path forward.
The claims were previously reinforced by the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) earlier this week, which documented the Russian army increasingly integrating Starlink systems. Specifically, the ISW reported that Russian forces are using the satellite capability to extend the operational range of BM-35 strike drones for mid-range attacks into Ukrainian rear areas.
This situation presents a complex technological and ethical dilemma for SpaceX, as Starlink remains critically important for Ukrainian military communications and civilian resilience. Fedorov emphasized the foundational role Elon Musk’s decision to deploy terminals played in defending the nation at the start of the full-scale invasion.
"Western technologies must continue to support the democratic world and protect civilians, not be used for terror and the destruction of peaceful cities," Fedorov asserted, framing the issue as one of technological stewardship in a global conflict. This statement underscores Kyiv's position that technology transfer, even indirect, must adhere to intended humanitarian and defensive purposes.
The immediate focus will be on SpaceX’s technical response to verify and mitigate any unauthorized or illicit use of their terminals by Russian actors. Any failure to restrict access could invite greater regulatory scrutiny from Western governments providing funding or operating licenses to the satellite network provider.
Globally, this incident underscores the emerging vulnerability of essential commercial infrastructure in modern warfare, where dual-use satellite services become critical battleground assets. The outcome of these discussions will set a precedent for how commercial space providers manage geopolitical risks associated with their global service footprint.
