Published 4 hours ago • loading... • Updated 24 minutes ago
SpaceX limits Starlink operations in Ukraine, disrupting military missions, presidential aide says
The military-grade StarShield package was capped at 100 mph, and Ukrainian officials said the change disrupted drone missions and logistics.
On Wednesday, SpaceX implemented a 100 mph speed restriction on StarShield terminals, disrupting Ukrainian military operations. Ukrainian defense technology adviser Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov confirmed the change occurred overnight without prior warning to defense forces.
Starlink infrastructure serves as critical backbone for Ukrainian battlefield communications, supporting drones, mobile units, and reconnaissance teams in areas lacking conventional coverage. The technology provides connectivity where traditional networks are vulnerable to Russian electronic warfare.
Field reports indicate connectivity often degrades once platforms reach roughly 37 to 43 mph, well below the official 100 mph threshold. Beskrestnov noted that several missions were disrupted immediately following the unannounced update.
Ukrainian volunteer Serhii Sternenko reported that military personnel are encountering even stricter practical limits in the field. He noted that "reports are coming in from the military" that terminal usage restrictions have tightened significantly.
Russia launched 39 ballistic missiles and more than 120 drones overnight, leaving at least 600,000 people without power. This large-scale assault further complicates the operational environment for defense forces already struggling with the new Starlink restrictions.
SpaceX has restricted the speed of Starlink terminals in motion, used by Ukraine for its military communications, announced Wednesday an advisor to Volodymyr Zelensky. This measure, not reported to the...