Ukraine Says Starlink Speed Limits Disrupted Military Drone Missions
Ukraine confirmed that its military has been cut off from full access to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite system, disrupting ongoing defense missions overnight. Presidential Adviser Sergiy Beskrestnov stated that SpaceX introduced a speed limit for Starlink terminals in motion without warning Ukrainian defense forces. According to Business Insider, SpaceX implemented these speed limits to throttle Starshield operations—the company’s dedicated military satellite network—at speeds exceeding 160 kilometers per hour. Ukrainian defense ministry sources told Business Insider that units experienced connection losses at speeds as low as 45 miles per hour, severely complicating mid-range strikes, front-line logistics, and air defense intercepts.
Speed Limits Disrupt Military Drones
Ukrainian troops rely on Starlink terminals to operate long-distance attack drones and maintain critical ground communications. Beskrestnov explained that SpaceX cut off access to its military-grade version of Starlink above 100 miles per hour, forcing the 7th Rapid Reaction Corps deployed in the southeast to cancel some missions. A representative for the Reaction Corps told Reuters news agency that connections dropped for 10 to 20 seconds at speeds of just 110 to 120 kilometers per hour, making the moving drones significantly harder to control. A source in Ukraine’s Defense Ministry told DW that these limitations complicate overall logistics and drone operations. Ukraine has used Starlink as an alternative to radio control since shortly after the Russian invasion, valuing the system for its resistance to electronic jamming.
Russian Strikes Target Energy Infrastructure as Oil Prices Climb
The sudden Starlink restrictions coincided with a broader shift in geopolitical relations and heavy Russian military assaults. Oil and gas prices have climbed sharply following the United States and Israel’s war on Iran, while Russia continues to target Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump claimed that Russia and Ukraine agreed to an energy ceasefire, though both Moscow and Kyiv denied the assertion. On Tuesday evening, Russian ballistic missiles struck a Kyiv power plant. Trump recently lifted sanctions on buying Russian oil and publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting that Zelenskyy should be replaced because “he won’t make a deal” with Russia.
Zelenskyy Appeals for Access in London
During a visit to London, Zelenskyy called on Starlink owner Elon Musk to fully restore the system. In an interview with UK journalist Piers Morgan, Zelenskyy remarked that switching off the system was SpaceX’s decision, adding that he hoped it was a huge technical mistake and asking Musk to switch it back on. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed Zelenskyy with a strong show of support, assuring him of British solidarity. Zelenskyy told Morgan that it was painful when Trump chose one side, not their side.
Musk Says US Government Controls Starshield Systems
Elon Musk responded to former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on social media regarding partial restoration of the service. Musk stated that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government, adding that any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and the president. Musk also emphasized that Starlink is a commercial service limited to civilian or defensive activities, noting that offensive military actions are inappropriate for a commercial provider. Business Insider reported that in 2023, Musk refused a request from Ukraine to activate Starlink for an assault on Crimea, and prior reports indicated SpaceX restricted front-line access during a 2022 counteroffensive. Conversely, SpaceX clamped down on Russian forces using Starlink terminals in February following a direct appeal from Ukraine’s then-defense minister.
Ukraine Seeks Backup Channels Amid Speed Restrictions
A senior Ukrainian official told DW under condition of anonymity that Kyiv views the speed restrictions as a signal of potential future restrictive measures. Ukrainian defense authorities stated they are actively communicating with the US, SpaceX, and NATO partners while working to install backup communication channels to secure uninterrupted network access.
While Musk owns SpaceX which controls Starlink systems and can impose restrictions on them in Ukraine, those that began overnight are on the Starshield military version of the system controlled by the Pentagon. This suggests the decision to limit the speed of the Starshield…