Russia Enforces Six-Month Ban on Starlink and Foreign Satellite Equipment

On May 1, 2026, Russia announced a six-month ban on the import of foreign satellite communication devices, including Starlink terminals, citing national security concerns. This decision, formalized in government decree No. 488 signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, prohibits the import of radio-electronic devices that transmit and receive signals from space unless authorized by the State Commission for Radio Frequencies. The ban is part of a broader crackdown on internet access in Russia, which has seen significant disruptions since May 2025, affecting over 60 regions. Authorities have restricted mobile internet access under the pretext of countering threats from Ukrainian drones, with planned measures to further limit communications in Moscow ahead of the May 9 Victory Day parade. The Federal Customs Service and the FSB will oversee enforcement of the ban, which is expected to impact both individual users and businesses relying on satellite communications.

Key Points: • Russia has banned the import of foreign satellite communication devices for six months. • The ban includes Starlink terminals and aims to enhance national security. • Mobile internet access restrictions are expanding ahead of the May 9 Victory Day parade.