The ongoing war in Ukraine has taken a surprising turn with a bold move by SpaceX. In a controversial decision, SpaceX has effectively crippled Russia's command system, which was being used in strike drones reaching Kyiv. This action has left Russian occupying forces in disarray, according to Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukraine's defense minister.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Russia had been illegally using Starlink terminals in their BM-35 and BM-36 strike drones, providing them with stable communication and navigation. This technology allowed the drones to fly under the radar, so to speak, and penetrate deep into Ukraine, including the capital city. And this is the part most people miss—these drones were immune to traditional electronic warfare, making them a formidable threat.
In late January 2026, SpaceX took action. They implemented technical measures to disable Starlink terminals, cutting off the Russians from their illegal satellite communications. This move had a significant impact on the ground. The Russian army's command and control system collapsed, leaving them unable to coordinate attacks or control their drones effectively. Assault operations were halted, and the occupying forces faced a catastrophe at the front.
To prevent further misuse, Ukraine is creating a 'white list' of authorized Starlink terminals. This ensures that only devices under Ukrainian control can operate, blocking Russian forces from exploiting the network. However, this process has caused some temporary difficulties for Ukrainian units that didn't submit their terminal data in time.
The BM-35 drones, equipped with Starlink, were particularly challenging to intercept due to their low flight altitude and resistance to electronic jamming. This capability allowed them to penetrate Ukrainian cities with minimal resistance.
SpaceX's intervention raises important questions. Was it a justified act to support Ukraine's defense, or a controversial move that could have unintended consequences? The debate is open, and your thoughts are welcome.
