Starlink terminals operations restricted in Ukraine overnight, adviser to Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian forces reported restrictions on the military use of SpaceX's Starlink satellite communications system on Wednesday, causing disruptions to several drone missions during an escalation in tensions between Kyiv and Washington. The changes appear to specifically target the StarShield, a military-grade version of the service, with connectivity reportedly cut when terminals exceed speeds of approximately 160 kilometers per hour.

Serhiy Beskrestnov, a military technology adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, known as Flash, revealed on Telegram that SpaceX introduced the speed limit overnight without prior notification, leading to the disruption of multiple missions. Ukrainian volunteer Serhiy Sternenko also confirmed the issue, suggesting SpaceX may have implemented the restrictions at the request of the US administration.

However, there is no direct evidence of a White House order, leaving the reason for the restrictions unclear. The move has raised concerns that critical American satellite communications could now be used as leverage over Ukraine, alongside reports of US threats to suspend intelligence-sharing unless Ukraine stops targeting Russian oil refineries.

The timing of these restrictions coincides with criticism of Zelenskyy by Elon Musk, SpaceX's owner, who stated, "Zelenskyy has gone too far," following a White House video criticizing Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities. Despite this, there is no evidence linking the Starlink restrictions to the diplomatic dispute. The reports come as Ukraine questions the reliability of advance intelligence-sharing, as Zelenskyy reported receiving no warning from partners ahead of Russian ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv for the second night in a row.

Despite the ceasefire declared by President Trump, Russia allegedly launched 39 ballistic missiles and over 120 attack drones against Ukrainian cities, causing extensive damage and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power. Zelenskyy appealed to the US president to impose more sanctions on Russia and provide additional Patriot missile interceptors, urging the international community to respond forcefully.

These developments highlight Ukraine's continued reliance on American intelligence, military technology, and air defense support amidst increasingly uncertain relations with Washington.