Kremlin Calls Starlink-Assisted Deep Strikes ‘Reckless’ as Ukraine Hits Russian Drone and Supply Sites
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that providing Starlink satellite data for Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia would be a “very harmful, potentially dangerous and reckless step,” while Ukraine reported new hits on Russian drone, ammunition, logistics and fuel sites in occupied territory.
The Kremlin is sharpening its warnings about Western satellite services as Ukraine reports further long-range strikes on Russian military infrastructure. On 27 September, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that providing Starlink satellite data for Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia would be a “very harmful, potentially dangerous and reckless step.” He did not specify what consequences might follow but said Russia’s Rassvet system would soon become more effective.
Peskov’s comments did not present evidence that Starlink has been used to guide specific deep strikes, nor did they define what kinds of support would cross a red line. The language about a “very detrimental” and “reckless” step signaled an attempt to deter tighter integration of commercial satellite services into Ukrainian targeting for operations on Russian territory.
At the same time, Ukraine’s military highlighted its own long-range operations against Russian forces in areas under occupation. The General Staff said Ukrainian forces had struck a site for the storage, preparation and launch of attack drones in occupied Donetsk. It also reported hitting two ammunition depots in Krepenkyi and occupied Luhansk, a logistics depot in Rovenky, and a fuel and lubricants warehouse in Novoamvrosiivske in Donetsk Oblast.
These Ukrainian strikes remained within territory internationally recognized as part of Ukraine but currently occupied by Russia. They show an effort to degrade Russian drone capabilities, ammunition stocks, supply chains and fuel reserves that support frontline operations.
In modern warfare, long-range attacks of this kind rely on accurate positioning, communications and targeting data. That dependence gives satellite-based systems a central role, whether they are used for communications, navigation or imagery. Peskov’s reference to the Rassvet system suggested Russia is working to strengthen its own space-linked capabilities while publicly challenging Western involvement on Ukraine’s side.
The immediate practical impact of Peskov’s statement will depend on how Western governments and companies interpret the risk of providing satellite support that could be linked to strikes beyond occupied Ukrainian territory. On the ground, the more tangible indicators will be continued Ukrainian claims of hits on Russian logistics and drone hubs, any visible changes in Starlink’s use by Ukrainian forces and clearer information on the maturity and role of Russia’s Rassvet system.
Sources
- OSINT