Starlink restrictions affecting Ukraine's front line operations, Kyiv says
Ukrainian officials report that SpaceX has implemented speed restrictions on Starlink terminals, hindering military drone operations. This comes amid intensified Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Why it matters
Highlights the critical reliance of modern militaries on private satellite infrastructure and the geopolitical risks of such dependencies.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jaroslav Lukiv and Dan Johnson , Ukraine correspondent in Kyiv Watch: What we know about Russia's overnight strikes on Ukraine New restrictions on the speed at which some of Ukraine's weapons can travel and stay connected to the Starlink internet network have disrupted Ukraine's battlefield "missions", President Volodymyr Zelensky's adviser has warned.
Serhiy Beskrestnov said Ukraine had not been told about speed limits set overnight at 100mph (160km/h) by Elon Musk's SpaceX company.
Starlink is a vital tool allowing Kyiv to effectively guide drones to Russian targets and also protect Ukrainian skies.
Beskrestnov said SpaceX's move "cannot be a coincidence and is related to the current political situation". The firm has not commented.
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