The Russian military is losing ground in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin thinks it’s because Western satellites, like those from Starlink, are giving the Ukrainians an advantage. So, naturally, Russia threatened to shoot them out of orbit.
Beginning very early on in the invasion, Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite-based internet provider has been providing internet connectivity to Ukrainians from space. Many of the advanced weapons used in Ukraine won’t work right without an internet connection.
On Thursday, a senior Russian foreign minister said if Western satellites are used to aid Kyiv, then Russia might consider those satellites legitimate military targets.
U.S. Department of Defense Spokesman John Kirby said, “Any response on U.S. infrastructure will be met with a response.” No word on what the response might be.
News of Russia’s presumed intention to take the fight into space comes just one day after Russia tested its nuclear triad. Cruise and ballistic missiles were launched from land and by submarine.
NATO allies are also testing their nuclear weapons right now in northwestern Europe. Called steadfast noon, the NATO nuclear drills involve around 60 aircraft, but no live bombs.
Both NATO and Russia knew of each side’s nuclear tests ahead of time because of a previously signed arms-control agreement.
Reuters contributed to this report.
