SpaceX has taken major steps to shut down Russia’s attempts to use captured Starlink terminals on the battlefield, according to company chief Elon Musk. The system has been vital for Ukrainian forces since the early days of the invasion, but many units have fallen into Russian hands over the course of the conflict. Sunday’s update marks the strongest indication yet that those efforts to restrict unauthorized access are paying off.
Ukrainian officials say they are working with SpaceX to build a long-term protective system that ensures only approved terminals will function inside the country’s borders.
Kyiv Tightens Access To Starlink On Ukrainian Soil
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed that Ukraine and Starlink are moving quickly to prevent Russian forces from exploiting stolen devices. He said Kyiv is developing a system that will allow only verified terminals to operate inside Ukraine.
“Ukraine, together with Starlink, has already taken the first steps that delivered rapid results in countering Russian drones,” Mykhailo Fedorov wrote on X.
He added that the next phase is already underway.
“The next step is implementing a system that will allow only authorized terminals to operate on the territory of Ukraine,” he added.
Fedorov also acknowledged reports that Russian drones were spotted operating over Ukrainian cities while connected through Starlink. Ukrainian officials immediately contacted SpaceX for help, and Fedorov publicly thanked Musk for the rapid response.
Musk later responded with confirmation that their actions were effective.
“Looks like the steps we took to stop the unauthorized use of Starlink by Russia have worked. Let us know if more needs to be done,” Musk replied on X.
Starlink Still Central To Ukraine’s Military Operations
Starlink remains one of Ukraine’s most critical communication tools, especially in areas where infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. Ukrainian forces rely on the network to coordinate movements, guide drones, and maintain secure links across the front.
“Ukrainian forces have used Starlink connectivity throughout Russia’s invasion.”
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New Round Of Peace Talks Begins While Doubts Remain
Sunday’s developments came as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States will meet this week for a fresh round of peace talks.
“Ukraine is ready for a substantive discussion, and we are interested in ensuring that the outcome brings us closer to a real and dignified end to the war,” Zelenskyy wrote.
Still, the Ukrainian president has repeatedly warned that the road to peace remains blocked by major unresolved issues, including the status of occupied territories and Moscow’s demands for land it does not control.
“I do not believe that Russia wants to end the war. There is a great deal of evidence to the contrary,” Zelenskyy said Thursday.
His comments underline the tension surrounding negotiations, even as efforts to end the war intensify.
