By Trendsetter Tribune 
A top Russian state TV host suggests targeting Elon Musk’s satellites after SpaceX blocked unauthorized Starlink use by Russian troops in Ukraine.
A leading Russian state TV host has issued a fiery warning to Elon Musk after SpaceX blocked unauthorized Starlink access for Russian forces in Ukraine. Vladimir Solovyov, one of the Kremlin’s most prominent media figures, used his broadcast to suggest that Musk’s satellites could become “legitimate targets.”
Speaking on Russian state TV, Solovyov said he didn’t understand “why Elon Musk’s satellites are not a legitimate target for us,” going as far as suggesting that a single nuclear detonation in space could disable Starlink’s network. His comments came after SpaceX confirmed it had taken action to stop Russian troops from using smuggled or stolen Starlink terminals on the battlefield.
Starlink has been a crucial tool for Ukraine’s defense, providing communication capabilities even in frontline areas. However, reports surfaced in recent months that Russian troops were using covert terminals for drone operations. SpaceX responded by cutting off access to any units detected operating under unauthorized conditions.
Tensions between Musk and Ukraine have flared before—most notably in 2022, when Musk restricted access during a planned Ukrainian strike on Russia’s Black Sea fleet. But this is the first time a Russian state broadcaster has publicly floated the idea of targeting Musk directly.
Solovyov, known for his aggressive pro-Kremlin rhetoric, escalated further by calling Musk a “war criminal,” claiming Starlink technology is used in attacks against Russian forces. When a guest pointed out that targeting Starlink could also affect Russian satellites, Solovyov brushed it off, joking that the country could return to “carrier pigeons” if necessary.
The comments highlight growing frustration within Russia as the war enters a new phase of high-tech warfare—where access to digital communications can dramatically shift battlefield advantages.