Ukraine is urging SpaceX to lift new restrictions on its Starshield satellite service. These restrictions could hinder Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian drones and perform other military actions. A source informed Fox News Digital about the situation.
The restrictions came without warning, despite existing contracts with the U.S. government until May 15, 2027. Ukrainian forces noticed connectivity issues overnight and contacted SpaceX support. They learned that the Starshield service was restricted for platforms moving at speeds of 100 miles per hour or more.
Later, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov noted that connectivity below the speed limit was being restored. However, he emphasized removing the speed restriction was vital for Ukraine’s defense. “Starlink connectivity at speeds of up to 160 km/h is being restored,” Fedorov stated. “Removing Starshield’s speed limit entirely is now critical for Ukraine’s defense.”
Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on defense technology, stated the change might hinder efforts against Russia’s Shahed drones. Ukraine’s 7th Rapid Response Corps reported canceled missions due to connectivity issues. Problems arose even at speeds under the specified 100 mph limit.
U.S. Senator Thom Tillis questioned SpaceX on social media. He sought confirmation that this change did not signal a policy shift by SpaceX. “I’m confident this does not reflect a change in SpaceX policy,” he wrote, addressing concerns about degradation of Ukraine’s defenses.
Starshield, SpaceX’s national security satellite service, relies on technology from its Starlink network. The speed restrictions could impact drones, aircraft, and helicopters using Starshield connectivity. Ukrainian forces reported performance challenges even at lower speeds.
Ukraine has asked SpaceX to explain the restrictions and restore the former service capabilities, the source informed. The change has caused significant operational difficulties for Ukrainian forces against Russia. Ukraine highlighted its contracts with the U.S government that include land-based and mobile platform usage.
As of Wednesday, SpaceX had not responded to Ukraine’s request. Polish Foreign Minister Radislaw Sikorski criticized Elon Musk over the restrictions on social media, stating, “Hey @elonmusk, are you playing politics with your products again?” Poland funds over 2,900 Starlink terminals in Ukraine.
Tensions between Musk and Sikorski are not new, with past disagreements over Ukraine’s dependency on Starlink. Fox News Digital requested details from the Pentagon, White House, and SpaceX, but no confirmation of Musk’s direct involvement in the restrictions has been publicly announced. The Pentagon contracts SpaceX for Starshield services but the control over specific operational restrictions remains unclear.
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