Starlink terminals distributed to Ukraine by Elon Musk's company were not effectively monitored by USAID, according to an oversight report.
In the heart of the 21st century, satellite internet systems have taken centre stage, particularly in conflict zones. The Ukrainian landscape serves as a poignant testament to this transformation, with Starlink satellite internet systems becoming critically important during the Russian invasion.
Activated at the Ukrainian government's request, Starlink rapidly became essential for maintaining internet and communications for both civilian and military purposes. Its support extends to vital functions like energy infrastructure, government communications, and military coordination, including drone operations and artillery targeting. However, SpaceX has sought to limit offensive uses on weapon systems, with most of the service remaining online.
The cost to SpaceX is significant, estimated at tens of millions of dollars monthly, with U.S. Department of Defense funding since 2023. A key technological advancement in 2025 was the deployment of Starlink Direct-to-Cell (D2C) technology in Ukraine, enabling 4G smartphone connectivity directly via satellites. This capability has helped Ukraine sustain communications despite terrestrial network failures, demonstrating the strategic geopolitical implications of space-based communication infrastructure in conflict scenarios.
Globally, this shift is driving major investments in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations for crisis resilience by the U.S., EU, and China, among others.
However, Starlink systems are not without vulnerabilities. In July and August 2025, Starlink experienced power cuts affecting users on multiple continents, highlighting that satellite internet remains less reliable than fiber or cellular networks under certain conditions.
In other conflict-affected regions such as Yemen, Starlink was introduced in late 2024, with its internet service welcomed by pro-government forces but opposed by insurgents. This illustrates how Starlink can become a tool influencing power dynamics in conflict zones. Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) limit Starlink's use due to concerns over digital sovereignty and regulatory control, permitting it mainly in sectors like aviation and maritime shipping.
As Starlink continues to shape the landscape of satellite internet in conflict zones, it is also expanding beyond Ukraine. The deployment of Starlink in South Korea signals a broader expansion of SpaceX's satellite internet service, with HD Hyundai planning to deploy Starlink at a surveillance center in South Korea, marking a first. South Korea has also approved the domestic operations of OneWeb satellite internet services.
Amazon has also entered the race, launching its first Kuiper internet satellites, aiming to compete with Starlink. The future of satellite internet systems in conflict zones is promising, despite challenges such as service disruptions and geopolitical tensions about control.
[References] 1. U.S. Department of Defense funding for Starlink since 2023 2. Investments in LEO satellite constellations for crisis resilience 3. Starlink power cuts affecting users on multiple continents 4. Starlink use limited in Gulf Cooperation Council countries
[Images] 1. Starlink satellite internet system setup in Ukraine provided by REUTERS 2. Starlink satellite internet system setup in South Korea provided by YONHAP
- The United States Department of Defense has been providing funding for Starlink since 2023, demonstrating international support for its critical role in times of crisis.
- The global landscape is witnessing significant investments in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, a trend driven by nations like the U.S., EU, and China, aiming to improve crisis resilience.
- In addition to Ukraine, Starlink has faced service disruptions, as seen in July and August 2025, when power cuts affected users on multiple continents, underscoring the need for improvements in satellite internet reliability.
- In accordance with concerns over digital sovereignty and regulatory control, countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have imposed restrictions on Starlink's usage, mainly permitting it for sectors like aviation and maritime shipping.
