Elon Cuts Off Russian Drones Hijacking Starlink to Hit Ukraine

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk moved to disable Starlink satellite systems being used by Russian forces after learning the technology had been hijacked to carry out drone strikes against Ukrainian cities, according to Ukraine’s defense minister, as reported by The New York Post.

Ukrainian Minister of Digital Transformation Mikhailo Fedorov said Thursday that Russian “killer drones” had been equipped with Starlink connectivity, prompting swift action by SpaceX once Ukrainian officials raised the issue.

“Within hours of reports that Russian drones equipped with Starlink connectivity were operating over Ukrainian cities, the Ministry of Defense team promptly contacted @SpaceX and proposed concrete ways to resolve the issue,” Fedorov wrote in a post on X.

Within hours of reports that Russian drones equipped with Starlink connectivity were operating over Ukrainian cities, the Ministry of Defense team promptly contacted @SpaceX and proposed concrete ways to resolve the issue.

— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) January 29, 2026

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Fedorov praised Musk and Gwynne Shotwell for what he described as a rapid response to prevent further misuse of the satellite internet service.

The move came as Russian forces have increasingly relied on Starlink terminals in recent weeks to expand the operational range of BM-35 strike drones.

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According to the Institute for the Study of War, the systems were being used to enable mid-range strikes deep into Ukrainian territory.

SpaceX, which operates Starlink, allows military use of its technology under limited conditions but explicitly prohibits offensive operations. Musk reiterated that policy in a public post.

“Note, Starlink terminals can be used for defense infrastructure communications, schools, hospitals, personal, etc, but terms of service do not allow for offensive military use, as it is a civilian commercial system,” Musk wrote on X.

Fedorov also highlighted Musk’s earlier role in Ukraine’s defense following Russia’s full-scale invasion.

He said Musk’s decision to activate Starlink and ship the first batch of terminals to Ukraine in February 2022 was essential to maintaining communications after Russian attacks crippled traditional infrastructure.

“That decision was critical to the resilience of our state,” Fedorov said, referring to the early days of the invasion.

The issue drew attention earlier this week when Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski publicly urged Musk to intervene.

“Stop the Russians from using Starlinks to target Ukrainian cities,” Sikorski wrote in a post on X, adding, “Making money on war crimes may damage your brand.”

Hey, big man, @elonmusk, why don’t you stop the Russians from using Starlinks to target Ukrainian cities.
Making money on war crimes may damage your brand. https://t.co/dGO6xdFagL

— Radosław Sikorski (@sikorskiradek) January 27, 2026

Musk responded sharply, rejecting the accusation and emphasizing Starlink’s role in supporting Ukraine rather than Russia.

“This drooling imbecile doesn’t even realize that Starlink is the backbone of Ukraine military communications,” Musk wrote in response, defending the company’s overall contribution to Ukraine’s war effort.

This drooling imbecile doesn’t even realize that Starlink is the backbone of Ukraine military communications

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 27, 2026

The controversy unfolded as the Pentagon continues exploring closer collaboration with Musk’s technology ventures.

On Thursday, U.S. defense officials confirmed ongoing discussions involving SpaceX and Musk’s artificial intelligence company Grok as part of a broader military AI strategy, though no formal details were released.

Ukrainian officials said coordination with SpaceX remains ongoing to ensure Starlink systems are not exploited by Russian forces going forward.

Russian authorities have not publicly commented on the allegations regarding drone usage.

As fighting continues, the incident highlights the growing role of private-sector technology in modern warfare and the challenges of preventing civilian systems from being weaponized on the battlefield.

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