Russia bans imports of satellite terminals, including Starlink, for six months
Russia has introduced a six-month ban on the import of foreign satellite communication devices, including Starlink terminals, citing "national security" concerns.
Source: Russian government decree No. 488 of 29 April
Details: The decree was signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
The document prohibits the import of radio-electronic devices designed to transmit and receive signals from space communication objects, including satellites, unless they have authorisation from the State Commission for Radio Frequencies.
These criteria apply to foreign satellite terminals, including Starlink systems produced by SpaceX.
The decree states that the purpose of the restriction is to "protect the national security" of Russia.
Oversight of the ban's enforcement has been assigned to the Federal Customs Service and the FSB.
Background:
- On 25 January, Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, a radio technology expert and an adviser to Ukraine's defence minister, said that Russian forces might be using Starlink satellite internet on Shahed attack UAVs.
- American businessman Elon Musk responded to a request from Ukraine to help address the issue of Starlink being used on Russian strike drones.
- It later became known that SpaceX had taken countermeasures against the use of Starlink on Russian UAVs.
- On 1 February, Musk noted that measures to counter Russia's unauthorised use of Starlink were likely showing results.
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