Starlink disruption in Ukraine exposes European gaps in sovereign satellite communications (defence24.com)

• SpaceX blocked Russian Starlink access on 1 February 2026; effects seen by 4 February.
• Russia failed to find viable alternatives; RS-30M and Yamal proved insufficient.
• EU projects GOVSATCOM (limited) and IRIS2 (delayed) not yet full solutions; national initiatives fragment efforts.

"On 1 February 2026, SpaceX blocked unauthorized Starlink use by Russian forces in Ukraine. This caused communication breakdowns, reduced drone attacks, and halted some offensives. Russia failed to switch to alternatives like RS-30M or Yamal. EU projects GOVSATCOM (operational) and IRIS2 (delayed) are not yet full replacements. National initiatives like Poland's POLSARIS highlight fragmentation. Full European sovereignty in satellite comms is not expected before 2030."