Ukraine Reports Ongoing SpaceX Starlink And Starshield Restrictions

Ukrainian officials and a national security expert confirm that SpaceX continues to restrict its Starlink and Starshield internet system in Ukraine. Denys Sienik, Ukraine's deputy ambassador to the U.S., stated that nothing has changed and they continue to wait for restrictions to be lifted. Since October 14, officials have accused SpaceX of placing speed limits on Starshield, causing any drone traveling above 100 mph to lose connection and disrupting military missions.

Impact On Operations

Dmitri Alperovitch, chairman of the Silverado Policy Accelerator, noted that Ukrainian terminals continue to experience problems and drones are being lost. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on X that speed has not been restored and things have become harder, though the frontline is still holding. Zelenskyy's defense tech advisor, Serhii Beskrestnov, also verified the ongoing restrictions on Telegram. Lawmakers from both political parties have called for an investigation into Elon Musk and the throttling, while SpaceX and Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Alternative Systems

President Donald Trump gave conflicting statements, first indicating service was restored after a phone call with Musk, but later insisting he had not spoken with Musk while reiterating that service had been fixed. Amid these disruptions, Ukraine is exploring other satellite communication systems. Zelenskyy met with Norwegian officials and Kongsberg to discuss new capabilities, and Ukraine's Ministry of Defense signed a letter of intent with Nokia and ICEYE to explore space cooperation and build sovereign satellite communications.

Context

Satellite internet networks like Starlink have become vital infrastructure for military communications and operations in modern warfare. When private companies control such critical communication channels, geopolitical tensions can directly impact battlefield capabilities and national security. Countries often rely on multiple providers to avoid dependence on a single commercial network during conflicts.