Ukraine accuses SpaceX of crippling drone missions as ties with US worsen
Ukrainian officials said the restriction disrupted drone operations and forced some missions to be canceled.
- On Wednesday, Ukrainian officials reported that SpaceX restricted access to military-grade Starlink services without warning. Presidential Adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov stated the company imposed speed limits on terminals in motion, forcing cancellation of several missions.
- The restrictions coincide with Trump administration pressure on Ukraine to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries. Officials suggested the move links to this political friction, though SpaceX did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
- SpaceX cut access to the military-grade version above 100 miles per hour, complicating drone control. Ukraine's 7th Rapid Reaction Corps reported connection interruptions at speeds of 110–120 km/h made controlling drones significantly harder.
- Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski publicly questioned Elon Musk on X, asking "are you playing politics with your products again?" President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russian energy strikes "ostentatious disrespect" toward the United States.
- Ukraine has relied on Starlink for battlefield communications since the 2022 invasion. While Trump insists Russia and Ukraine agreed to an "energy ceasefire," both nations deny this, leaving Kyiv seeking alternatives to Musk's technology.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Ukraine says SpaceX’s Starlink curbs without warning hamper drone strikes on Russia: What we know
Ukraine said SpaceX’s Starlink restrictions disrupted military drone missions without warning, causing communication failures and cancellations. The move complicates frontline operations as Kyiv faces mounting pressure over its strikes on Russian oil infrastructure.
Heavy accusation against Elon Musk's satellite internet Starlink: The environment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj accuses the operator SpaceX of throttling the services important to the army. "This has led to the failure of some missions, according to Presidential advisor Serhiy Beskrestnov.
Ukraine says it frees more territory in Donetsk region counteroffensive
Ukraine has freed 16 villages from Russian forces in the eastern Donetsk region in its latest counteroffensive, a senior commander said on Wednesday, part of what he called a major frontline pushback...
Ukraine accuses SpaceX of crippling drone missions as ties with US worsen
Ukraine accused Elon Musk's SpaceX of limiting Starlink services, crippling its drones, as Russian missiles knocked out power stations in attacks President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called "ostentatious disrespect" to Donald Trump.
Ukrainians use the satellite system controlled by Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX, for their communications on the battlefield.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
