Ukraine Begins Tracking Starlink Terminals to Disable Those Used by Russian Forces

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a decision to introduce a “whitelist” for Starlink satellite terminals.

Under the new rules, only verified and registered Starlink devices will be allowed to operate in Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov.

All unverified terminals will be disconnected from the network.

For civilians, device verification will require just one visit to the nearest Administrative Service Center. The process will be free and quick, with minimal paperwork.

Military personnel will not need to visit the Administrative Service Centers. A secure verification channel is already available for them through the DELTA system. Soldiers will not be required to register private terminals with their units or share account information – they only need to add the device to the whitelist.

This decision was a direct response to attempts by Russian occupying forces to use SpaceX technologies in the war against Ukraine. In particular, the enemy began equipping its drones with Starlink terminals.

Such unmanned aerial vehicles can fly at low altitudes, remain resistant to electronic warfare systems, and be controlled by an operator in real time over long distances.