Ukrainian officials have expressed gratitude towards Elon Musk following the restrictions placed on Russian military drones utilizing Starlink technology, stating that these efforts have yielded real results on the battlefield. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov recognized Musk as a true champion of freedom for his swift response to concerns regarding Russian drone operations within Ukraine.
These Russian drones have been implicated in several deadly assaults, including attacks on civilian trains, prompting urgent actions from Ukraine to limit their operational capability. Musk confirmed on social media that the measures taken to curb unauthorized Starlink usage have been effective, expressing his willingness to take additional steps if necessary.
Starlink satellites, which have provided crucial high-speed internet connectivity to Ukraine since the outset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, have significantly shifted the dynamics in warfare. The defense ministry reported a newly implemented speed limit for Starlink terminals to hinder Russian drone operators from effectively controlling their units during missions. Furthermore, Ukraine is registering Starlink terminals to ensure security and will disable access for those not included on the approved list.
Fedorov emphasized the cooperative approach with SpaceX in this endeavor, indicating deeper reliance on technological cooperation with Silicon Valley firms to bolster Ukraine's defense strategy. Despite previous tensions in Musk's relationship with Kyiv over the military's access to Starlink, officials remain appreciative of Musk's role in enhancing Ukraine's internet capabilities amidst ongoing conflict.
