Ukraine says its Starlink access has slowed down and it's affecting military operations
Ukrainian officials report that Starlink internet speeds have been throttled, negatively impacting military communications and drone operations. The disruption is allegedly linked to SpaceX implementing speed limits on terminals, though the company has not yet commented.
Why it matters
Ukraine's heavy reliance on Starlink for battlefield operations creates a significant vulnerability, as the service is controlled by a private entity with its own geopolitical agenda.
Ukraine is heavily reliant on Starlink for military operations. Inna Varenytsia/REUTERS Ukrainian officials said on Wednesday that Kyiv's access to Starlink has been disrupted. Slower-than-normal speeds have affected military operations, the officials said. Ukraine is heavily reliant on Starlink, specifically for communications and drone missions. Ukraine's access to Starlink internet service was suddenly disrupted, interfering with military operations, sources in the country's defense ministry and a top presidential advisor said on Wednesday. Serhii Beskrestnov, a top advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said in a social media post that Elon Musk's SpaceX had implemented speed limits for Starlink terminals overnight. He did not provide evidence to support his claim. Beskrestnov said the restriction throttles the operation of Starshield , the company's dedicated satellite network for military services, at speeds above 100 miles per hour. He said the Ukrainian military was not notified in advance.
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