**Russia Threatens to Disrupt European Satellites Believed to Aid Ukraine**
Russia’s Digital Development and Communications Ministry has informed international regulators that it plans to disrupt commercial and broadcast satellites it believes are helping Ukraine’s military. This move comes after a group of European countries filed a complaint with the United Nations over Russia’s alleged interference with their satellite communications.
**European Countries Unite Against Russian Interference**
In March, eight European countries – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, Finland, France, and the Netherlands – filed a joint complaint with the UN. This move was soon supported by 17 other EU countries and the UK. The complaint urges Russia to stop its alleged sabotage of satellite communications in Europe.
**Russia’s Claim: Non-Military Satellites Will Be Spared**
According to documents submitted to international regulators, Russia claims it will not disrupt non-military satellite use. Instead, it plans to target infrastructure that aids Ukraine’s military. However, this assurance has raised doubts among European countries and the wider international community.
**History of Russian Disruptions**
Last year, disruptions targeted Europe’s main satellite providers, including Eutelsat and SES. These companies provide essential services such as television, radio, and aviation navigation systems. In 2024, investigators traced interference to Russian-controlled areas, including occupied Crimea and Kaliningrad.
**Concerns Over Russia’s Intentions**
The Kyiv Independent’s Volodymyr Ivanyshyn comments on the situation: “Russia’s move is a clear attempt to intimidate European countries into stopping their support for Ukraine. It’s a worrying sign of Russia’s intent to disrupt global communications and spread propaganda.”
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
