Ukraine tightens controls on Starlink terminals to counter Russian drones

Ukraine introduced a mandatory whitelist for Starlink terminals—implemented with SpaceX—to block unregistered devices and curb Russian use of Starlink on attack drones, following detections of such activity. The policy requires civilian and business registration, uses a secure military channel, and restricts authorized terminals to stationary or low-speed modes; reports also mention a speed cap that would impede control of fast-moving strike drones. Officials frame the move as a necessary step to protect lives and infrastructure while maintaining Starlink’s critical role in Ukraine’s connectivity.