What happened after Elon Musk took the Russian army offline
Business Insider
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
SpaceX's decision to shut down Starlink satellite-internet access for Russian troops created significant chaos on the battlefield, disrupting Russia's military operations and giving Ukraine a strategic advantage. The move came after SpaceX implemented stricter verification measures, blocking unverified Russian units from accessing its services. This disruption led to immediate challenges for Russian forces, including failed communications, decreased drone activity, and reduced artillery fire, which allowed Ukrainian forces to recapture approximately 77 square miles in the southeast.
Starlink had become a critical tool for both sides since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. For Ukraine, it provided essential communication capabilities to sustain high-tech drone operations and coordinate military actions, especially after traditional infrastructure was destroyed. However, by late 2025, Russian forces were increasingly using Starlink terminals, even at the infantry level, which raised concerns among Ukrainian officials. Despite efforts to restrict Russian access, unverified devices continued to appear in occupied territories, making them difficult to target and remove.
The shutdown of Starlink services exposed Russia's reliance on Western technology and highlighted its limitations in developing comparable alternatives. While Russia attempted to adapt by increasing radio communication and exploring other satellite options, these methods proved less effective and harder to conceal. The situation underscores the growing role of private companies like SpaceX in shaping modern warfare and the ethical dilemmas surrounding tech provision during conflicts. For businesses and investors, this incident highlights the potential
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/25/2026