Ukraine Eyeing New SpaceX Starshield Deal by Mid-2027, Still No Answers About October Problems
Kyiv wants to begin talks on a new agreement after speed limits on the satellite service hampered drone interceptions and canceled some operations, a diplomat said.
- On Thursday, Chargé d'affaires Denys Sienik announced that Kyiv is urgently seeking a new Starshield contract before the current agreement expires mid-next year.
- Following sudden service limitations in October, Sienik noted that Kyiv never received an explanation from Washington or SpaceX regarding the interruptions that hampered drone operations.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for SpaceX's connectivity, saying "that was very helpful at the beginning of the war," yet criticized CEO Elon Musk's position.
- With Democrats poised to reclaim control of Congress, lawmakers plan oversight hearings on defense topics including Starshield and the $400 million in military aid to Ukraine.
- Despite having no effective alternative to Starshield, Ukraine is developing domestic capabilities while Europeans work on their own system to ensure uninterrupted defense support.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Allies fear relying on US after Starshield disruption showed 'kill switch' threat
The disruption of Ukrainian access to American satellite systems last month sent a clear warning to allies worldwide: if the United States offers access to its world-class military assets, it can just as quickly rip it away. Ukraine became a sitting duck on Oct. 13 after access to its Starshield systems was restricted, compromising its […]
Tulsa World
St Louis Post-DispatchUkraine's Starshield contract up in 2027
WASHINGTON — Ukraine's contract with the U.S. government for access to its Starshield satellite network expires next year and Kyiv urgently wants to start talks on a new one, a senior Ukrainian diplomat said Thursday.
The contract between Ukraine and the US government for access to the Starshield satellite network expires in the middle of next year, and Kiev urgently wants to start talks on a new agreement. This was stated by the Ukrainian chargé d’affaires in Washington, Denis Sienyk. “The contract expires next year for Starshield. And we understand that it takes time to negotiate a new one,” Sienyk said. He added: “Actually, now is the time.” The diplomat d…
Ukraine's Starshield contract with US expires next year, diplomat says
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