SpaceX could prevent modified Starlink terminals from operating inside Russia with a simple software update, yet the company has left the security vulnerability unresolved. Dmitry Kuzyakin, chief designer at the Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions (TsKBR), made the claim in an interview with RIA Novosti.

According to Kuzyakin, Starlink is not officially intended to provide services on Russian territory. However, modified terminals can bypass these geographic restrictions by transmitting false location data to the satellite network. This allows the devices to maintain a connection even when they are physically located in areas where the service is not supposed to operate.

The expert explained that Starlink satellites already know their own positions in space, making it possible to identify discrepancies between a terminal’s reported coordinates and its actual location. SpaceX would not need to overhaul its satellite constellation to stop this practice. Instead, a software patch could block terminals that disguise their whereabouts while operating in Russia or China.

Kuzyakin accused SpaceX of being fully aware of the security loophole while deliberately leaving it open. He argued that Elon Musk is attempting to avoid becoming an official party to the conflict while continuing to enable the use of his satellite communications system. The expert described this approach as indirect participation in strikes against Russia.

Meanwhile, Russia is already using its own technology to counter Starlink. Kuzyakin said the Volna-Kupol-Garant system is currently proving effective in performing this task.