Ukraine’s defence minister confirms contact with SpaceX after reports Russian drones used Starlink internet for attacks on Ukrainian cities.
KYIV: Ukraine’s defence minister has confirmed contact with Elon Musk’s SpaceX over allegations that Russian drones used Starlink internet during attacks.
Mykhailo Fedorov said the defence ministry team contacted SpaceX “within hours” of the drones appearing over Ukrainian cities. He expressed gratitude for the swift response from SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell and Elon Musk.
Fedorov and the US-based Institute for the Study of War reported earlier this week that Russian forces used Starlink to guide drone attacks. The ISW said Russian forces are “increasingly using Starlink satellite systems to extend the range” of strike drones.
Russia has been targeting Ukraine’s energy grid amid freezing temperatures. Fedorov acknowledged Musk’s initial support, stating his decision to send Starlink terminals at the start of the invasion was “critically important.”
“Western technologies must continue to support the democratic world and protect civilians,” Fedorov said. He added they should not “be used for terror and the destruction of peaceful cities.”
Starlink is also widely used by the Ukrainian army for its own communications.
