Ukraine: Elon Musk fears Russian retaliation against his satellites

On October 25, 2026, Elon Musk warned on X that manifestly offensive use of Starlink in the war in Ukraine could expose its satellites to Russian retaliation. He cited the risk of the network’s destruction and a vast field of space debris, arguing that Starlink should retain a civilian role while still supporting military infrastructure. Starlink provides communications to Ukrainian forces and civilians, particularly where terrestrial infrastructure has been damaged. In 2025, two intelligence services from NATO countries suspected Moscow of developing an antisatellite weapon, but there is no evidence that it is operational or that an attack is imminent.