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SpaceX limits Starlink operations in Ukraine, disrupting military missions, presidential aide says
Ukrainian officials said the military-grade Starshield package was throttled without warning, forcing some drone units to cancel missions and lose connectivity in flight.
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.
The interruption of the terminals, without any notice, occurs while Russia continues to hit Ukraine. Zelensky: at least 600 thousand people are without electricity. There are significant damage to the infrastructure at 26 sites in our electrical sector. There has never been a...