Pentagon and SpaceX Block Russian Forces From Using Starlink in Ukraine

Pentagon officials have been working with SpaceX and Ukraine’s government to effectively counter the Russian military’s unauthorized utilization of Starlink internet terminals on the battlefield in Ukraine.

This was stated by John Plumb, the first Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy.

“At this time we have successfully countered Russian use, but I am certain Russia will continue to try and find ways to exploit Starlink and other commercial communications systems,” said Plumb.

Plumb didn’t reveal the details of the tactics employed to block Russia’s use of the highly portable communications terminals.

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. It has been heavily used to carry out military operations in Ukraine. Until 2023, the Russian military did not have access to Starlink systems, giving the Ukrainian military an advantage. In February 2024, Ukraine’s intelligence confirmed the use of Starlink by Russian forces in occupied areas of Ukraine.