Kyiv: Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that Kyiv is collaborating with SpaceX to prevent the utilization of Starlink satellite communication systems by Russian drones. This development comes after reports surfaced about Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) operating over Ukrainian cities using Starlink communications.

According to Anadolu Agency, Fedorov communicated through Telegram that the Defense Ministry swiftly reached out to SpaceX, proposing solutions in response to the detection of Russian drones using the Starlink system. He expressed gratitude towards SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell and Elon Musk for their prompt response and initiation of measures to address the issue.

Fedorov highlighted the significance of Musk's decision to activate Starlink and deliver terminals to Ukraine at the onset of the conflict, deeming it crucial for the nation's stability. He emphasized the need for Western technologies to aid democratic nations and safeguard civilians, rather than being exploited for terror and the devastation of peaceful cities.

The statement followed a call from Poland's Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski on US social media platform X, urging Musk to prevent the use of Starlink by Russians to target Ukrainian cities. Musk later reaffirmed in a separate post that Starlink serves as the backbone of Ukraine's military communications, reiterating that its terms of service prohibit its use for offensive military operations and clarifying that Starlink is a civilian commercial system.

The Institute for the Study of War has reported an increase in the use of Starlink-equipped drones by Russian forces to extend their strike range, cautioning that these mid-range attacks exploit Ukraine's air defense limitations and present a significant threat to essential infrastructure.