Ukrainian officials have reported that SpaceX, the company owned by Elon Musk, has limited its Starlink satellite internet services, significantly impacting Ukraine’s drone operations amid ongoing Russian attacks. These developments come as tensions between Ukraine and the United States appear to be rising, raising concerns about continued battlefield support.
On Wednesday, Russian forces launched a series of missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, leaving around 600,000 people without power. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy characterized the attacks as “ostentatious disrespect” for U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for a cessation of strikes on energy targets.
In comments to the media, Zelenskiy expressed concern over SpaceX’s restrictions, stating, “It’s a big mistake … This decision will bring a lot of human losses.” He did not specify who made the decision to restrict services but noted that it was affecting military operations. Musk, responding to inquiries about the limitations, stated via social media that speeds and usage limits of Starlink services are determined by the U.S. military and the President.
Ukrainian military officials indicated that the issues with Starlink had been unannounced and caused disruptions in key military missions. They claimed that the limitations hindered communications and guidance for Ukrainian interceptor drones, which are essential for both offensive and defensive operations. Presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov confirmed that military-grade terminals experienced interruptions while moving at high speeds, which he noted had not been warned prior to the restrictions.
A spokesperson from the Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported that SpaceX had imposed a speed cap of 160 kilometers per hour (about 100 miles per hour), although connections were lost at speeds significantly lower than that. The Ukrainian government has sought clarification from SpaceX, the U.S. government, and NATO regarding these abrupt changes.
Amid the conflict, Zelenskiy also addressed Trump’s comments on Ukraine’s leadership, asserting that the decision concerning the nation’s presidency rests solely with its people. He emphasized, “No Trump, no Musk, not anyone in the world can choose the president or elect in other countries.”
While Ukrainian forces have continued their assaults on Russian targets, including a significant data center, officials have indicated a temporary restraint on targeting Russian energy infrastructure to respect Trump’s stance. Russian officials confirmed their attacks on critical energy facilities, with Zelenskiy arguing that the ongoing missile strikes were a deliberate action in light of Trump’s ceasefire comments.
The situations surrounding both military communications and power outages remain critical as Ukraine navigates ongoing challenges in its conflict with Russia. Further updates from SpaceX and U.S. officials are anticipated as the situation evolves.
