Brussels, December 22, 2025
Intelligence agencies from two NATO member countries have warned that Russia may be developing a new weapon capable of targeting Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network, a system that plays a critical role in Ukraine’s battlefield communications.
According to Western intelligence assessments, the proposed weapon could deploy thousands of high-speed fragments to damage or disable Starlink satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO). If successful, such an attack could severely disrupt Ukraine’s military communications and civilian internet access during the ongoing war.
However, the claims remain contested, with several experts expressing skepticism over Russia’s ability or willingness to deploy such a system.
🛰️ Conflicting Expert Views on the Threat
Space security expert Victoria Samson said she does not believe Russia is currently developing such a weapon, but acknowledged that if proven true, it would be deeply alarming.
“I don’t think Russia is building such a weapon, but if it is working on something like this, it would be extremely shocking,” Samson said.
In contrast, Christopher Horner, Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces’ Space Division, said Russia could theoretically develop the capability, though he warned that such an action could also backfire.
Horner noted that destroying satellites in low Earth orbit could create long-lasting debris, potentially harming Russia’s own space assets and escalating risks for all space-faring nations.
Russia has not yet responded publicly to the intelligence claims made by NATO member states.
📡 Why Starlink Matters in the Ukraine War
Russia reportedly views Starlink as a strategic threat, as thousands of the satellites provide high-speed, low-latency internet access across Ukraine. The system has become essential for Ukrainian military operations, emergency services, and civilian communications amid repeated damage to terrestrial infrastructure.
Starlink’s dense satellite constellation makes it resilient to localized disruptions, but intelligence agencies warn that a large-scale anti-satellite attack could still pose serious challenges.
Any attempt to target the network could significantly degrade Ukraine’s operational coordination on the battlefield and disrupt civilian connectivity across the country.
🌍 Rising Concerns Over Space Warfare
The intelligence warning has renewed global concerns over the militarization of space, particularly as satellite networks increasingly underpin modern warfare, economic activity, and civilian life.
Analysts caution that any attack on Starlink would not only affect Ukraine but could also set a dangerous precedent, accelerating an arms race in space and increasing risks for global satellite infrastructure.
