Russia Faces International Complaint Over Satellite Disruptions
THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS – Eight European nations, including the Netherlands, have lodged a formal complaint wiht the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) regarding ongoing Russian interference with European satellites. The escalating situation highlights growing concerns over the weaponization of space and the blurring lines between civilian and military infrastructure.
According to university professor of air and space law at Leiden University, Tanja Masson-Zwaan, Russia’s actions violate established space protocols. “The space response states that countries are not allowed to disturb each other’s space activities. If they do, they have to talk to each other,” she stated.
Though, Russia has publicly justified potential targeting of satellite infrastructure, asserting in July that satellites are “legitimate targets to be destroyed” due to Ukrainian forces’ utilization of their capacity. Specifically, Russia has cited concerns over the use of elon Musk’s Starlink network and satellites operated by European provider Eutelsat, claiming it is “unacceptable to find that this type of civil infrastructure is used in space for military purposes.”
Satellite expert Marco Langbroek of TU Delft described this stance as “a considerable escalation,” noting the increasing difficulty in distinguishing between civilian and military applications of satellite technology. ”Previously, that distinction was very clear. But it is becoming increasingly unclear whether a satellite provides military or civilian services, or both. This can yield all kinds of misery: if civilian systems become targeted, society can notice that, for example with the failure of navigation.”
Attempts by the United Nations to mediate the dispute, including a meeting between Russia, France, and Sweden in March, have so far failed to yield progress. Russia has indicated it will not engage in further discussions as long as Ukraine continues to rely on Starlink and Eutelsat satellite services.
“This is not all in line with the principles of spacious law,” Masson-Zwaan explained. “it is indeed difficult to prevent this from happening. The ITU does not have enough teeth to really do something about this. Naming and Shaming and other diplomatic solutions can definitely help, but we must also make our satellites more resilient against this type of attack.”
Masson-Zwaan emphasized the need for increased satellite resilience,stating,”We also have to make our satellites more resilient against this kind of attack.”
