Pentagon and SpaceX work to prevent illegal Russian Starlink use in Ukraine

In recent months, reports have emerged that Russian forces have acquired Starlink terminals, and they are using them to aid in their invasion. Since the start of the war, SpaceX has donated many Starlink terminals to Ukraine to help keep civilians connected.

Starlink on the black market

SpaceX’s Starlink terminals provide high-speed internet by connecting to the company’s thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit. 

Starlink’s main selling point is that it makes high-speed internet more accessible. However, this has caused concerns related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“Just the idea of this being more available and so people can find it and try to exploit it, that’s something we just have to bake in and understand,” Plumb said. “And make no mistake, the reason it’s this thing [Starlink] is because it’s so effective.” 

Plump was asked whether Russia’s use of Starlink was illegal under international law, to which he replied, “I don’t know if the right word is illegal, but certainly without licenses and certainly not at the behest of the country in which they are invading, for goodness sake.” 

Officials in Ukraine have reportedly asked the DoD to mandate SpaceX to create a list of approved terminals for use in Ukraine. Plumb explained that this is out of the DoD’s jurisdiction. “First of all, I don’t think the DoD is in a position to make them do these things,” he said. 

“I’m aware of Ukraine’s concerns, [and we’re] working through it with both Ukraine and Starlink,” Plumb continued, adding that SpaceX is a “great partner” to work with.

SpaceX and Starlink’s growing global influence

Plumb’s address to reporters comes at a time when there are increasing concerns that Starlink could be exploited on the global stage.

In a report on Tuesday, The Wall Street Journalclaimed that Russian forces and paramilitary forces in Sudan had acquired Starlink terminals via the black market. 

Officials from the opposing sides have reportedly asked SpaceX to intervene, though the terminals are thought to still be active. The news highlights SpaceX and Elon Musk’s immense power on the global stage.