Russia Bans Import of Foreign Satellite Terminals, Including Starlink

On 29 April 2026 Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree banning the import of foreign satellite communication devices, including SpaceX’s Starlink terminals, for six months. The prohibition applies to any radio-electronic equipment lacking a frequency-allocation decision from the State Commission on Radio Frequencies.

The Russian government bans the import of foreign satellite terminals into the country. Starlink is included in the ban.Russia has restricted the import of Starlink terminalsUnited24 Media

Since May 2025 Russia has imposed nationwide internet shutdowns affecting over 60 regions and more than 37,000 hours of outage. Authorities plan additional mobile-internet curbs for the May 9 Victory Day parade on May 5, 7 and 9, extending limits to SMS and selected “whitelisted” platforms. Starlink terminals have been used by Ukrainian forces and, until February 2024, by Russian troops, often imported via third-country routes.

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The decree cites Prime Minister Mishustin, the State Commission on Radio Frequencies, and First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Control Dmitry Gusev, who proposed a “verified” user whitelist linked to the Gosuslugi portal. SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, supplies the prohibited terminals.

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The six-month ban covers all foreign satellite terminals without approved frequency allocation. Internet disruptions since 2025 have spanned 60 regions and 37,166 hours. No domestic satellite system currently meets frontline needs, as artillery chief “Sokol” has warned. It also bars any new imports of such equipment during the six-month period.

Russia has restricted the import of Starlink terminals

The measure comes amid a broader tightening of internet control across Russia, limiting civilian communications across more than 60 regions. Artillery chief “Sokol” warned that communication remains the army’s main problem. The proposed “verified” whitelist would grant mobile-internet access only to users linked to Gosuslugi accounts, prompting concerns about unequal connectivity.

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• “The import into the Russian Federation of radio-electronic equipment intended for transmitting and/or receiving radio waves from space-based communication objects (communication satellites, including dual-use ones) of foreign states is prohibited, according to the list attached, if they do not have a decision by the State Commission on Radio Frequencies allocating the relevant frequency bands,” — Russian Cabinet decree, April 30 2026

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• “The restrictions are expected to extend beyond central Moscow to the entire area within the city’s ring road, significantly expanding the scale of past shutdowns.” — The Moscow Times, reporting on the decree

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• “The Starlink satellite system is actively used by Ukrainian military forces to combat Russian armed forces.” — Meduza, citing the Prime Minister’s decree

The Russian government bans the import of foreign satellite terminals into the country. Starlink is included in the ban.

• “The reason for this ban is the protection of national security.” — OREANDA-NEWS, quoting the official resolution

Russia has restricted the import of Starlink terminals

The government will review the six-month ban’s effects before deciding on renewal, while the “verified” user scheme is slated for pilot testing ahead of the May 9 parade restrictions.

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