Ukraine launches verification of Starlink terminals
Photo: Ukraine has launched verification of all Starlink terminals (Getty Images)
The Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a resolution on the introduction of a white list for Starlink satellite internet terminals. Therefore, only verified and registered terminals will soon be operating in Ukraine, while all others will be disconnected, according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
This is a response to the Russian military's use of Starlink on drones.
"Russian drones equipped with terminals are difficult to shoot down. They fly at low altitudes, are resistant to electronic warfare, and are controlled by operators in real time even at long distances," Fedorov writes.
He explains that the only technical solution to counteract this is to introduce a white list and authorize all terminals.
"On the initiative of the Ukrainian government, we are implementing this in cooperation with SpaceX," Fedorov says.
The Minister assures that the process of registering Starlink terminals for Ukrainians will be as simple as possible. For individuals, one visit to the nearest Administrative Services Center is sufficient.
For businesses, there is a convenient online terminal verification algorithm on the Diia portal.
The military does not need to contact the Administrative Services Center—a separate secure channel through DELTA is already in place for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. There is also no need to put your own terminals on the balance sheet of military units or transfer account data—it is enough to add the terminal to the white list to avoid blocking.
According to the Minister, thanks to the white list, Ukraine maintains stable communications for its citizens, enhances security, and deprives Russians of technological advantages. This is a necessary step by the government to protect the lives of Ukrainians and critical infrastructure.
Detailed instructions for registering Starlink terminals are expected to be revealed soon.
Russian use of Starlink
Russian troops are increasingly using American Starlink terminals on strike drones to bypass Ukrainian electronic warfare systems and increase the accuracy of their attacks, according to media reports.
According to Defense Ministry adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, online-controlled Russian drones attacked a passenger train in the Kharkiv region.
In response, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said that the Ministry had contacted SpaceX and discussed ways to solve this problem.
Later, Beskrestnov added that at Ukraine's request, SpaceX had begun to implement initial measures to block the use of Starlink terminals by Russians for military purposes.
Elon Musk also took the first steps to stop the unauthorized use of Starlink for the Russian benefit.
