Key facts
- Ukrainian frontline soldiers report Starlink terminals are restricted to 100 km/h.
- The speed limit has halted medium-range drone strikes and disrupted attacks on Russian logistics.
- A Ukrainian officer described the situation as comparable to a nuclear strike.
- SpaceX reportedly restricted Starshield terminals in motion without prior notice.
- Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov linked the restrictions to political pressure on Ukraine.
Ukrainian frontline soldiers are expressing alarm over reported restrictions on Elon Musk's Starlink satellite service, warning of severe operational consequences that could cost lives. An experienced officer commanding a medium-range drone strike unit stated that all Starlink and Starshield terminals used by their forces have been subjected to a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour since the previous night. This limitation has reportedly brought all medium-range strike operations to a complete halt, including those using mesh-based systems that rely on a single Starlink-equipped UAV to relay signals to other drones. These drones are crucial for striking targets deep inside Russian-held territory, such as the Donetsk region, the Kerch area, and the Crimean Peninsula, as well as disrupting Russian logistics like artillery systems and ammunition depots.
Iryna Terekh, CEO of Ukrainian missile-maker Fire Point, confirmed that Ukraine's armed forces are heavily dependent on Starlink-operated mid-strike drones for their devastating campaign against Russian logistics. The officer expressed fears that the Starlink restrictions will provide Russia with a critical opportunity to strengthen its positions and logistics routes to Crimea. Two other frontline soldiers corroborated the abrupt restriction of Starlink services for Ukrainian units.
A Ukrainian defense ministry official confirmed that SpaceX unilaterally restricted the operation of Starshield terminals while in motion, with problems occurring at speeds varying from 72 kph to 161 kph. This development comes amid increasing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump on Ukraine to cease attacks on Russian refineries. Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov suggested the action is not a coincidence and is linked to the current political situation and upcoming U.S. midterm elections. EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius acknowledged Ukraine's dependence on American space capabilities and stated the need for Europe to develop its own. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski publicly questioned Elon Musk's actions, asking if he was playing politics with his products.