Lithuania accuses Moscow of Starlink sabotage

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius alleged on Sunday that Russia was likely responsible for an attempted arson attack on a company in Lithuania that houses satellite antennas essential for Starlink connectivity. The antennas support Ukraine's communication and provide assistance. Sinkevicius expressed that the incident appears to be an act of sabotage or a diversion, as similar actions have occurred frequently across Europe.

He emphasized that this is part of Russia's hybrid war involving acts of sabotage. He hinted at the identification of the instigator, attributing the responsibility to Russia. Ukraine utilizes Starlink's military-grade satellite service, Starshield, for battlefield communications, strikes on Russian-occupied territories, and its interceptor drones.

It also leverages SpaceX's civilian satellite system, Starlink. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on Friday that Starlink services in Ukraine were being restored after complaining about partial restrictions impeding the military's defense against Russian invasion forces. SpaceX owner Elon Musk claimed any disruption was the responsibility of the U.S. government, not his company.

Recent attacks on Starlink service sites in Europe include a satellite station in Poland set ablaze in September and an investigation in Bulgaria following claims of fire on antennas linked to the Starlink network. On Sunday, a drone entered Lithuania from Poland, exploded in the country's north, damaging a car, though it did not cause injury.

Lithuanian authorities stated the object entered Lithuanian airspace from Poland, though Warsaw denied prior knowledge of the drone.