Starlink’s Dual-Use in The Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Lawful or Unlawful?
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Abstract
The use of Starlink by the Ukrainian military against the Russian military has been controversial since the use of space objects for military purposes is not permitted under the space law regime. The Seneca unit of Ukraine's 93rd Brigadeuses the Starlink network to operate drones from hidden locations to avoid enemydetection. Their main task is to monitor areas near the Russian border and identify Russian military positions. These drones are also equipped with improvised explosivedevices, and between August and December 2022, approximately 600 Russian soldiers were reported killed due to drone attacks. According to the United Nations Secretariat's November 2018 data, Starlink satellites are classified as spacecraft for practical applications like weather observation and communication. However, inpractice, Ukraine uses Starlink for peaceful and military purposes. This research will reveal the legality of Ukraine's dual use of Starlink, the justification for self-defense, and the potential responsibility that may arise from this case. The research findings indicate that the Ukrainian military’s dual use of the Starlink satellites violates international law. Despite being used for self-defense purposes; such aggressiveuseis not accompanied by permission from SpaceX. In addition, the dual use of the Starlink satellites could give rise to possibilities of state responsibility. The author argues that a comprehensive and specific regulation is needed to overcome futurepractice of dual-use space objects.
Article Details
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