SpaceX Cuts Russian Starlink Access in Ukraine

SpaceX has severed Russian forces' access to its Starlink satellite internet system in Ukraine, disrupting military communications and contributing to a surge in Russian casualties along the front lines. The restrictions, implemented in early February, targeted unauthorized terminals smuggled into occupied territories and mounted on weapons and drones, leaving Russian units with impaired coordination capabilities.

The crackdown began on February 1, when SpaceX disabled black-market devices after detecting their use in offensive operations, a violation of the company's terms prohibiting military applications. Only verified Ukrainian terminals remain operational, preserving Kyiv's access to the network that has underpinned its battlefield communications since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Ukrainian officials reported the move followed months of Russian efforts to bypass sanctions by acquiring terminals through third countries for drone control, artillery guidance, and real-time command links.

In the days immediately after the shutdown, Russian assault operations diminished noticeably, according to Ukrainian commanders. "For three to four days after the shutdown, they...