The Pentagon is working to block access to Starlink for Russian forces in Ukraine
The Pentagon has recognized that traditional methods of blocking access to Starlink for Russians are currently ineffective, so a new approach has been developed – a list of authorized terminals. This list will allow determining which terminals can operate in Ukraine and the occupied territories, restricting access for unwanted users. Defense One reports.
Problems with blocking access
According to Pentagon spokesman John Gill, standard methods of blocking terminals are not working because Russia is actively buying new devices. Russian forces are using schemes to purchase terminals through third countries and pay for services with cards not issued by Russian banks. The method of disabling terminals by coordinates also proved unacceptable due to the risk of disabling Ukrainian terminals.
Entering a list of allowed terminals
The most effective control tool is to introduce a list of authorized Starlink terminals that will determine which devices can operate in Ukraine and the occupied territories. This is something similar to the so-called “whitelist”. However, the term “whitelist” is not explicitly mentioned. Such a list, in theory, will allow blocking access to the network for unwanted users. However, it is unclear whether this method will be fully implemented. The authors of the article note that the strategy has already been developed.
SpaceX’s cooperation with the Pentagon
SpaceX is actively cooperating with Ukrainian and American representatives to solve this problem. According to Hill, SpaceX is providing information and helping to identify and disable terminals used by the Russians. The Pentagon is also working with SpaceX through the Commercial Integration Division in the U.S. Space Command to share information and identify all terminals that should be left on or off.
Challenges and future deterrence measures
Russian troops continue to buy Starlink on the black market, jeopardizing Ukraine’s advantage. Using a commercial product makes it difficult to establish a geographic fence, as there may be Ukrainians in the region who also use Starlink. Although SpaceX sells a military version of Starlink called Starshield to the US military, it is not currently available for Ukraine.
Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Mark Kelly expressed concern about Russia’s use of the Starlink system. Warren insisted that military contractors should be held accountable for any use of their technology by adversaries.
The Pentagon will continue to work to address this issue by developing new strategies and tools to limit the illegal use of Starlink by Russian forces.
