Ukraine Says SpaceX Restricted Service for Drone Missions
The restriction disabled most Ukrainian frontline drones and affected air defenses, Zelenskyy said, while Musk attributed limits to U.S. government decisions.
- On Wednesday, Ukrainian forces reported unannounced speed restrictions on military-grade Starshield satellite terminals, disrupting drone operations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed the slowdown, which rendered most drones inoperable at speeds above 160km/h, appeared to be more than a technical issue.
- SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk stated the US Department of Defense sets operational parameters for Starshield, not SpaceX. This restriction followed tensions after President Donald Trump publicly criticized Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries, blaming them for higher global fuel prices.
- Zelenskyy warned the slowdown causes "human losses" and is a "big mistake." The disruption hindered air defenses; interception rates for Shahed drones had already dropped from over 90% to around 60% following Russian engine upgrades.
- President Trump revealed an agreement on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports. Trump claimed the country will immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets.
- European partners are evaluating alternatives, including the European Union's IRIS constellation, to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged continued support Wednesday, promising to accelerate delivery of Lightweight Multirole Missiles to counter Russian drone strikes.
23 Articles
23 Articles
The Ukraine reported last night of restrictions on the use of the Starlink network, hindering much of the action of aerial drones and Kiev air defence Elon Musk said
Ukraine Says SpaceX Limits Starlink Speeds Amid Rising Tensions Between Zelensky and Trump
Ukrainian forces said a 160km/h Starshield speed limit disrupted drone missions and frontline communications, as Kyiv and Washington disputed the restriction amid wider tensions over strikes on Russian refineries.
The Independent
The Independent (US)Ukraine war live: Zelensky feels ‘betrayed’ by Trump over Starlink access
Zelensky spoke of his frustration over Trump in an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored on Wednesday night
Elon Musk's SpaceX company has reportedly restricted Ukraine's access to the Starlink satellite system - which could make it more difficult for the country to launch drone attacks against Russia. The information comes as Donald Trump is pressuring Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil industries.
Donald Trump 'Betrayed' Ukraine Over Elon Musk's Starlink, Zelenskyy Says
Zelenskyy just called out Donald Trump with one word no president wants to hear. The Ukrainian leader revealed how a sudden military tech restriction left his forces exposed during an ongoing war. Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Donald Trump betrayed Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Donald Trump of betraying Ukraine after SpaceX suddenly restricted Starlink satellite […]
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