Ukrainian military officials report that SpaceX restricted Starlink connectivity for terminals moving at high speeds, disrupting several drone operations.
Key facts
- •Starlink terminals reportedly lose connectivity when moving at speeds exceeding approximately 160 kilometers per hour.
- •Serhiy Beskrestnov, a military technology adviser to Zelenskyy, stated that Ukrainian forces received no warning about the speed limit.
- •The recent Russian attack on Ukrainian infrastructure damaged 26 electricity facilities and four oil and gas installations.
- •At least 600,000 people were left without power following the overnight Russian missile and drone strikes.
- •Elon Musk publicly criticized Zelenskyy on X, stating the Ukrainian leader had "gone too far" regarding attacks on Russian oil facilities.
Ukrainian forces reported that SpaceX implemented overnight restrictions on the Starlink satellite communications system, affecting military-grade StarShield terminals. The change, which reportedly cuts connectivity when terminals exceed speeds of approximately 160 kilometers per hour, disrupted several drone missions. Serhiy Beskrestnov, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated that Ukrainian forces received no prior warning regarding the new limitation.
By the numbers
Impact on Military Operations
The reported restrictions have caused operational challenges for Ukrainian defense forces. Serhiy Beskrestnov, known as "Flash," confirmed via Telegram that the lack of notice led to the failure of multiple missions. While some volunteers have suggested the move may be linked to requests from the US administration, there is currently no independent evidence confirming the reason for the change or that the White House ordered it.
Context of Diplomatic Tensions
The reports of restricted satellite access coincide with a period of strained relations between Kyiv and Washington. Tensions have been exacerbated by public criticism from SpaceX owner Elon Musk, who recently stated on X that Zelenskyy had "gone too far" regarding attacks on Russian oil facilities. These developments occur alongside reports of US pressure on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, though no direct link has been established between these diplomatic disputes and the Starlink service changes.
Recent Russian Attacks on Infrastructure
The disruption to communications occurred as Ukraine faced a significant wave of Russian aerial attacks. President Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched 39 ballistic missiles and over 120 drones against Kyiv, the surrounding region, and Kharkiv. The strikes damaged 26 electricity facilities and four oil and gas installations, leaving at least 600,000 people without power. Zelenskyy has called for tougher sanctions against Russia and additional Patriot missile interceptors from the United States.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Euronews My Europe.
