Pentagon says they blocked Russia from using Starlink in Ukraine

Pentagon officials say they have blunted the Russian military’s unauthorized use of SpaceX's Starlink internet terminals on the battlefield in its war with Ukraine.

The US Defense Department's assistant secretary for space policy John Plumb said so in an interview to Bloomberg, reports "European Pravda".

Plumb says the US has been heavily involved in working with the government of Ukraine and SpaceX to resolve the issue.

“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,” he told Bloomberg News.

Plumb declined to elaborate on what tactics, techniques or procedures are being used to stem Russia’s use of Starlink terminals. However, he said that "good solutions" have been found with both Starlink and Ukraine.

Russia's use of Starlink in Ukraine

On February 11, 2024, the Defense Intelligence department of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine confirmed the Russian troops are using the satellite communication systems Starlink in combat.

SpaceX, which operates the Starlink satellite communication network, denied doing business of any kind with the Russian government or its military.

The company said that Starlink could be purchased in Dubai nor did SpaceX ship there. Additionally, Starlink has not authorized any third-party intermediaries, resellers or distributors of any kind to sell Starlink in Dubai.

"If SpaceX obtains knowledge that a Starlink terminal is being used by a sanctioned or unauthorized party, we investigate the claim and take actions to deactivate the terminal if confirmed," it added.

On February 13, the DIU reported that Russia buys communications equipment for use in combat, including satellite Internet terminals Starlink, in Arab countries. According to the DIU, a recently intercepted radio conversation features Russian soldiers discussing plans for acquiring a Starlink satellite communication terminal.

On February 12, Elon Musk said there was "no way in hell" of Russian President Vladimir Putin losing the war in Ukraine and opposed the US bill on Ukraine aid.

Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, wrote to Elon Musk proposing a method for preventing the Russian troops from using Starlink systems on the battlefield.

In March 2024, US House Democrats opened an investigation of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, examining whether the company implemented adequate safeguards to prevent Russia from deploying its Starlink satellite internet service in its war against Ukraine.

In March 2024, Bloomberg released an investigation that showed cases of illegal sale and activation of Starlink terminals in countries such as Russia, Yemen, and Venezuela.