Russia Terms Western Commercial Satellites 'Legitimate' Targets, US Vows 'Appropriate' Response If Attacked

If satellites merely exploded and disappeared, it would probably be fair game. The problem is that when you blow up a satellite, you create a cloud of shrapnel circling the globe at over 11,000km/h. This shrapnel can create more shrapnel when it collides with other satellites. There's a hypothetical disaster called Kessler syndrome where blowing up one satellite eventually reduces every satellite in orbit to a cloud of deadly projectiles, destroying all satellite communications and rendering all space exploration impossible. It is depicted in the astronaut movie Gravity, where a Russian ASAT attack creates a chain reaction destroying everything in space.

Russia actually went and destroyed a satellite in orbit back in 2021, which endangered both the ISS and Tiangong space stations. They did this because they are cartoonishly irresponsible and evil; it's straight-up Captain Planet-tier pouring toxins in the lake for the lulz. Nobody anywhere doubted Russia has ASAT missiles, so there was no reason to do it other than r-sluration and spite.

Ukraine is clearly using them directly in their war effort.

Ukraine is not directly using them. The US operates and completely controls these satellites. Even if they are sharing all the data that doesn't amount to Ukraine directly using them. Shooting down a US operates satellite is no different than shooting down an awacs flying along the border.