Kyiv has warned that families of Ukrainian prisoners of war are being coerced into registering Starlink satellite internet terminals for use by Russian forces, following a recent Ukrainian effort to block Russian access to the service. The tactic, revealed by Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War on , highlights the strategic importance of Starlink in the ongoing conflict and the lengths to which both sides will go to secure access.
The Ukrainian government, in coordination with SpaceX, recently implemented a mandatory registration system for Starlink terminals within Ukraine. This move aimed to curtail a loophole exploited by Russia, where terminals were being acquired through a thriving black market and used for military purposes, including guiding drones. While SpaceX prohibits direct sales to Russia due to US sanctions, the terminals were reportedly finding their way onto the battlefield.
According to the Coordination Headquarters, Russian forces are now threatening the relatives of Ukrainian POWs, demanding they officially register Starlink terminals in their own names. The agency stated that these terminals are then intended for use against Ukraine. The ability to trace terminal registration back to individual Ukrainian citizens is a direct consequence of the new registration requirement, which necessitates providing identification during the process.
“If the terminal is used to control drones that destroy infrastructure and take lives, the fact of registering the terminal by a citizen of Ukraine is grounds for criminal prosecution,” the agency warned in a statement. This underscores the severity with which Ukraine views the situation and the potential legal ramifications for those who comply with Russian demands.
The desperation of Russian forces to maintain access to Starlink is evident in their tactics. Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, a drone analyst and advisor to Ukraine’s defense ministry, reported on , via Telegram that Russian troops were offering approximately $230 – roughly a third of the median monthly salary in Ukraine – to individuals willing to register a single terminal. This financial incentive demonstrates the high value placed on the technology by the Russian military.
The disruption of Starlink access has already had a noticeable impact on Russian operations. Pro-Russian military bloggers have reported widespread internet connectivity issues within Russian units, attributing the problem to the Ukrainian-led crackdown. Some have criticized Moscow for its reliance on Western technology, despite explicit support for Ukraine from the United States and Europe.
“It’s about to suddenly become clear that units cannot operate effectively without communications. That’ll be news to some in high places,” one blogger, using the handle Belarusian Silovik, wrote, highlighting the operational challenges faced by Russian forces without reliable internet access.
The push to deny Russia access to Starlink has been a key priority for Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, who previously advocated for such measures while serving as minister for digital transformation. The technology provides high-speed internet connectivity without the need for traditional wired or mobile networks, making it invaluable for both military and civilian applications on the front lines and in areas with limited infrastructure.
Starlink’s utility extends beyond basic communication. We see used for live drone imagery, command and control and the operation of unmanned aerial and ground vehicles in environments where other communication systems are ineffective. The loss of this capability represents a significant setback for Russian forces, forcing them to rely on less reliable and less secure communication methods.
Russia currently lacks a comparable satellite internet service that offers the same speed, availability, and stability as Starlink. This dependence on Western technology, coupled with the Ukrainian government’s proactive measures, has created a significant vulnerability for the Russian military. The situation underscores the growing importance of satellite-based communication in modern warfare and the strategic implications of controlling access to these technologies.
The Ukrainian government’s actions, while aimed at disrupting Russian military operations, also raise complex ethical and legal questions regarding the responsibility of individuals who may be coerced into assisting the enemy. The threat of criminal prosecution for registering terminals used for hostile purposes highlights the delicate balance between national security and individual rights in a time of war.
