Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski publicly challenged Elon Musk over the use of Starlink satellite systems to support Russian drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, saying that profiting from what he characterized as “war crimes” could damage Musk’s brand. Sikorski’s remarks reflect growing concern among European officials about the potential dual‑use of commercial satellite internet technology in modern warfare.
“Hey, big man, Elon Musk, why don’t you stop the Russians from using Starlinks to target Ukrainian cities,” Sikorski wrote on social media. “Making money on war crimes may damage your brand.” The blunt message underscores mounting frustration among Ukrainian and allied leaders over technological tools that, while designed for civilian connectivity, can be repurposed in conflict zones.
Hey, big man, @elonmusk, why don't you stop the Russians from using Starlinks to target Ukrainian cities.
— Radosław Sikorski 🇵🇱🇪🇺 (@sikorskiradek) January 27, 2026
Making money on war crimes may damage your brand. https://t.co/dGO6xdFagL
Sikorski’s comments came alongside a report from the Institute for the Study of War detailing how Russian forces have been employing Starlink to extend the operational range of strike drones. According to the institute, Russian units have increasingly used Starlink satellite systems to enhance BM‑35 and other drones, enabling mid‑range strikes deep into Ukrainian territory. The report notes that Starlink‑equipped BM‑35 drones with an estimated 500‑kilometer range could place most of Ukraine, all of Moldova, and parts of Poland, Romania and Lithuania within reach if launched from Russian soil or occupied areas. The institute has observed Starlink‑equipped long‑range strike drones being used since September 2024 and similar adaptations on Rubikon units’ drones beginning in late 2025.
Russian forces are increasingly using Starlink satellite systems to extend the range of BM-35 strike drones to conduct mid-range strikes against the Ukrainian rear.
— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) January 27, 2026
The reported 500-kilometer range of Starlink-equipped BM-35 drones places most of Ukraine, all of Moldova, and… https://t.co/VEsfveKRgO pic.twitter.com/fFJbvVCw9L
The institute’s analysis warns that these mid‑range strikes aim to exploit Ukraine’s limited air defense capabilities. It assesses that without more robust point‑defense systems capable of downing drones, electronic warfare measures alone may not sufficiently protect critical infrastructure against a widespread threat. The growing use of satellite‑enabled drones highlights evolving tactics in the Russia‑Ukraine war, in which commercial technologies are increasingly repurposed for military objectives.
Starlink is a constellation of low‑earth‑orbit satellites operated by Musk’s SpaceX that provides broadband internet access around the globe, particularly in areas without reliable terrestrial infrastructure. Since Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukraine has relied heavily on Starlink to maintain connectivity as traditional internet infrastructure has been damaged or disrupted. Western governments and private donors have supplied thousands of Starlink terminals to Ukraine, supporting communications for civilians, government operations and military units.
Musk has previously confirmed that SpaceX activates Starlink services in conflict zones at the request of local authorities, but the company has also faced criticism for how its technology is used. Critics argue that satellite systems with high bandwidth and low latency can inadvertently benefit offensive military operations, especially when integrated into weapons platforms or remote control systems.
Sikorski’s public challenge adds to the broader debate over the responsibilities of private tech companies in wartime, especially when their products are widely adopted for both civilian and military purposes. European leaders have increasingly called for clearer norms governing the use of dual‑use technologies, arguing that humanitarian outcomes and international law should guide how commercial systems are permitted to operate in active conflict zones.
