Ukraine Commends Musk's Action Against Russian Drone Usage of Starlink

Tue Feb 03 2026 16:32:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following Elon Musk's restrictions on the use of Starlink satellites by Russian forces, Ukrainian officials express gratitude, claiming significant results in protecting their national security.

Elon Musk's intervention to restrict the use of Starlink satellites by Russian drones has been hailed by Ukrainian officials as a pivotal move in their ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian defense minister praised Musk as a 'true champion of freedom,' claiming that his actions have resulted in 'real results' in thwarting unauthorized drone operations. Musk's recent measures include a speed limit on Starlink terminals, aiming to hinder the efficiency of Russian drone operations.

Elon Musk's efforts to stop Russia from using Starlink satellites for drone attacks have delivered real results, a Ukrainian official said.

Praising the SpaceX founder as a true champion of freedom and a true friend of the Ukrainian people, defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that Musk had swiftly responded when informed of Russian drones using Starlink for operations in Ukraine.

These drones have been linked to multiple deadly attacks, including one that targeted a moving passenger train, claiming six lives. Looks like the steps we took to stop the unauthorized use of Starlink by Russia have worked, Musk remarked on X. Let us know if more needs to be done. Starlink, which has provided high-speed internet access across Ukraine since the Russian invasion began, now faces stricter regulations.

The minister highlighted that Russian drones fly at low altitudes, making them difficult to counter with traditional measures. The Institute for the Study of War noted an increase in the effectiveness of Russian drones equipped with Starlink.
Recently, the Ukrainian government has announced plans to implement a whitelist of approved Starlink terminals to bolster security, disconnecting unregistered terminals to restrict usage by unauthorized parties.

While both Fedorov and Musk have not disclosed specific responsive actions taken, it was reported that SpaceX has introduced a speed limit of 75 kilometers per hour on Starlink terminals moving through Ukraine to further undermine enemy operations.

Fedorov expressed that continued collaboration with SpaceX is crucial, as the integration of technology and defense strategies is vital for Ukraine's security. His commitment to utilizing the latest technologies indicates a shift towards a more data-driven military approach.

Despite previous tensions in Musk's relationship with Ukraine—stemming from his late 2022 decisions to restrict Starlink access in Crimea—Ukrainian officials remain appreciative of his contributions. Musk, in March, emphasized the importance of Starlink to the Ukrainian military’s operational capabilities, stating that it likely sustains their frontline forces.