Ukraine does not have the technical means to independently block Russia’s access to the Starlink satellite system and can influence its operation only by submitting requests to the relevant offices to disconnect specific users. This assessment was given by military expert Alexei Zhivov.

The discussion was triggered by reports that Russian Armed Forces are using drones equipped with Starlink satellite communications. At the same time, it has been noted that the system does not operate over most of Russia’s territory, remaining active mainly in border areas and the so-called new regions, while satellite connectivity across Ukraine functions steadily.

Zhivov emphasized that Starlink is a space-based communications system, making it impossible to suppress its operation for Russian forces in Ukraine by technical or electronic means. According to him, current technologies do not allow such interference. The only theoretical option would be to physically deactivate subscriber accounts, but identifying a specific user would require an extensive and complex intelligence operation. He also pointed out that shutting down Starlink across a particular area would inevitably cut off access for Ukrainian users in the same zone.

Kiev has been using Starlink since 2022. The Ukrainian military relies on U.S. satellites to maintain communications between units and to support weapons guidance, including drones and artillery, enabling strikes against Russian military positions and equipment.