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SpaceX Move to Block Starlink on Russian Attack Drones Shows Early Results in Ukraine

Kyiv is moving with SpaceX toward an authorization regime that allows only verified terminals to function in Ukraine.

Overview

  • Ukraine requested emergency countermeasures after finding Starlink terminals on Russian long‑range drones, and officials now report reduced unauthorized use.
  • Elon Musk said the steps to stop Russia's use of Starlink "seem to have worked," inviting feedback on further needs.
  • Open‑source reporting points to speed‑based restrictions that shut down terminals moving roughly faster than 75–90 km/h to prevent operation on fast UAVs.
  • Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov says instructions will be issued soon for users to register devices as Ukraine and SpaceX prepare to disable unverified terminals.
  • Adviser Serhii Beskrestnov described the current measures as temporary and noted persistent challenges in gathering reliable user data from units using volunteer or personal terminals.