Military analyst Yuriy Knutov has weighed in on reports linking Elon Musk’s Starlink system to Russian drone operations, after Polish Foreign Minister Radoslav Sikorski accused the American billionaire of indirectly assisting Russia.

The controversy erupted following U.S. media claims that Russian forces have been using Starlink satellite internet capabilities to guide unmanned aerial vehicles. Sikorski pointed to these reports as evidence of Musk’s role in helping the Russian army — an allegation the entrepreneur sharply rejected.

Knutov argued that the main advantage for Russia, if its military has indeed learned to intermittently exploit the technology, lies in greatly expanded reconnaissance potential.

He stressed that conventional electronic warfare tools available to the opposing side are largely unable to disrupt Starlink because of its high resistance to interference. This, he said, allows drones to operate with far less risk of being brought down, while also delivering high-quality video feeds.

According to Knutov, broadband satellite connectivity makes it possible to equip UAVs with cameras and transmit surveillance data through relay systems directly to command posts. In such conditions, operators can monitor the battlefield in real time, identify targets, and strike them quickly.

The expert suggested that these capabilities are causing alarm not only in Ukraine but also among its partners in Poland. He noted that attempts to jam Starlink are problematic, since such measures would also affect Ukrainian communication channels.

Knutov recalled previous incidents in which Starlink terminals stopped functioning in Ukraine, leading to serious consequences for the combat readiness of Ukrainian forces.

He added that Russia is already developing its own satellite communications network, known as the «Rassvet» constellation.

Sikorski’s accusation against Musk came amid growing debate over Starlink’s role in the conflict, with the Polish minister claiming the system is being used by Russian troops to control drones — a charge Musk has dismissed outright.