Starlink's military-grade Starshield service is restricted by U.S. military decisions, according to Elon Musk, as Ukraine faces a critical drone connectivity issue. SpaceX's speed limits on Starshield have disrupted Ukrainian military operations, with officials reporting disruptions in drone control and mission execution.
Ukraine's defense minister reported that SpaceX imposed a 100mph speed limit on Starshield, affecting drone operations and communications. Musk defended the restrictions, stating they are controlled by the U.S. military and the president. Ukrainian officials claim the restrictions were not a coincidence and are tied to ongoing tensions with Washington.
The restrictions came as Russia launched attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with Kyiv's president calling the Starlink outages a 'big mistake' that could lead to civilian casualties. Musk's comments highlight the tension between commercial and military use of Starlink, with the U.S. government maintaining a stance on the matter.
Ukraine's defense advisor stated that the speed limits are linked to the current political situation, including Trump's recent decisions on Russian oil sanctions and criticism of Zelenskyy. The restrictions have raised concerns about the reliability of Starlink for military operations, with officials urging Musk to restore full access to the system.