Musk Cuts Starlink Access for Russian Forces, Boosting Ukraine’s Edge

Published: 22 February 2026, The English Chronicle Desk, The English Chronicle Online

SpaceX-founder Elon Musk has taken a decisive step in the ongoing Ukraine war by cutting access to his Starlink satellite internet service for Russian forces, a move that has reportedly hampered Moscow’s battlefield communications and given Ukrainian troops a tactical advantage along the front lines.

The change, which took effect in early February after a formal request from Ukraine’s Defence Ministry, restricts Starlink connectivity to a “whitelist” of approved terminals — primarily those registered to Ukrainian users and military units. Russian forces, which had been using unregistered Starlink terminals to support communications and control drone operations near the front, have found their access cut off, forcing them to seek alternative systems that are widely considered inferior.

Starlink’s satellite-based internet service has been a critical tool in the four-year war, helping Ukrainian forces maintain high-speed, jam-resistant connections that support everything from tactical command and control to real-time drone piloting. By contrast, once deprived of reliable Starlink links, Russian units have reported widespread communication issues, forcing reliance on older radio systems or less capable domestic alternatives such as tethered 5G balloon terminals — which Moscow is now testing to fill the gap.

According to Ukrainian military sources and analysts, the disruption has led to operational problems for Russian units, particularly in coordinating assaults and long-range drone strikes that once relied on Starlink connectivity. Some Ukrainian commanders say they have observed reduced offensive activity and greater difficulty in identifying enemy manoeuvres in areas where Russians have lost satellite internet access.

A senior NATO official also linked the cutoff to recent Ukrainian advances in the Zaporizhzhia region, saying the loss of reliable satellite communications had “put the Russians in somewhat of a command and control predicament.” While officials did not quantify how much of Ukraine’s recent gains are attributable to the Starlink restrictions, they acknowledged the move has disrupted Russian battlefield coordination.

Kremlin-aligned commentators have described the situation as chaotic, with some Russian troops dismissing domestic satellite substitutes as ineffective. Ukrainian intelligence also says it has intercepted evidence showing frustration among Russian units over the degraded communications environment.

The move does not affect Ukrainian access to Starlink, which remains operational for Kyiv’s military and civilian users who have registered their terminals with the whitelist system. Ukraine’s ability to maintain robust communications has been cited as a key factor in its defensive and counterattack operations over recent weeks.

The English Chronicle will continue to follow this evolving story and report verified updates on the war in Ukraine and the strategic role of satellite communications.

Read More At>>