Ukrainian Digital Ministry collaborates with SpaceX to disable Starlink for Russians, minister says
Illustrative photo (Photo: Getty Images)
The issue of using Starlink by Russian occupiers on the front lines was discussed in Ukraine "before it gained resonance." The Ministry of Digital Transformation found a solution and proposed it to SpaceX, says the Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov, in an interview with Suspilne.
"We found an algorithm, proposed it to SpaceX, and now we are in communication on how to prevent such cases. SpaceX has already done something similar with the Israeli government," states Fedorov.
According to him, it is necessary not only to disable Starlink in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine but also to ensure that only terminals owned by Russians do not work.
"We need them to work there (on the front line with the Armed Forces of Ukraine - Ed.) because certain technologies related to UAVs are being used. There is another way to make our Starlink work while others do not. We are working with SpaceX on this," the minister notes.
Fedorov also adds that he does not believe in Elon Musk's involvement in Russians using Starlink in temporarily occupied territories and believes that they gain access to them through third countries.
"It was logical that they would start buying and importing them through third countries. They already had Starlink; they were already importing them, it's just that now it has become public, and there are a few more of them. Someone, probably among their entrepreneurs, started monetizing this, and it took on a life of its own. Technologically, we need to disable the Starlink they are using and ensure that ours continue to work," the head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation emphasizes.
Starlink with Russians on the front lines
Recently there was information in the media that Russian soldiers in Ukraine are using Starlink terminals.
Later, this information was confirmed by the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
At the same time, SpaceX owner Elon Musk emphasized in response to such information that no one officially sold terminals to Russia.
At the same time, Russian occupiers are experiencing communication problems, even though they have managed to obtain Starlink satellite internet terminals.
