Key facts
- Starlink restrictions persist for Ukrainian forces, impacting battlefield communications and drone operations.
- Ukrainian officials confirmed on Friday that connectivity issues persist when terminals exceed speeds of approximately 160 kilometers per hour.
- Donald Trump claimed Elon Musk had removed Starlink speed restrictions, but officials report otherwise.
- The disruptions began last week, affecting mid-range strike drone missions and air defence interceptor drones.
- Ukraine is pursuing partnerships with ICEYE and Nokia to develop its own satellite communications system.
Ukrainian defence officials stated on Friday that restrictions on the Starlink satellite communications service have not been fully lifted, despite claims by US President Donald Trump that they had been removed. Operators continue to experience disruptions to critical battlefield communications, particularly when terminals travel at speeds exceeding 161 kilometers per hour. Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, confirmed the ongoing limitations, noting that while isolated cases of operation above the speed limit occur, it is likely due to SpaceX's algorithms rather than a removal of restrictions. The issue began last week, when Starshield terminals, the military version of Starlink, started losing connectivity near speeds of 160 kilometers per hour, impacting drone operations and air defence. Responsibility for the decision remains unclear, though Trump has denied ordering the move. The situation highlights Ukraine's significant reliance on Starlink for its military operations.