Ukrainian defense company Fire Point has developed a way to partially bypass US restrictions on the use of the Starshield satellite system for strikes against targets in Russia, according to company head Irina Terekh.
In an interview with Breaking Defense, Terekh said the workaround currently provides only 15–20% of Starshield’s capabilities. Although the solution helps compensate for restrictions imposed by SpaceX, it cannot fully replace the satellite communications system.
Terekh acknowledged that Fire Point is trying to make the most of the alternative arrangement, but stressed that it remains inferior to Starshield in both cost and scalability.
She explained that permission to operate Starshield terminals is issued and controlled by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry under a licensing system similar to an end-user certificate. However, changes to the satellite network in October directly affected the operation of Ukrainian military drones.
The Fire Point chief also revealed that Ukraine’s current Starshield contract is due to expire in mid-2027.
Terekh further stated that her company had been involved in strikes against Russian industrial facilities in Omsk and Tolyatti, as well as targets in St. Petersburg and Balakovo.