Ukraine says SpaceX restricted Starlink services, disrupting military operations as Russian attacks continue

Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukrainian authorities claim SpaceX has curtailed Starlink internet services, hampering military logistics and operations amid an intensifying conflict with the US administration. Ukrainian officials were caught off guard by the restrictions imposed on Starshield, the military-grade variant of Elon Musk’s Starlink system.

Serhiy Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian presidential adviser, disclosed on social media that their defense forces were unaware of the restriction, resulting in the interruption of multiple missions. The disruption coincides with the Ukrainian government’s recent dissatisfaction with intelligence-sharing from allies. This development follows Trump’s warning to Ukraine a week prior, cautioning that the US might suspend intelligence-sharing and European acquisitions of US weaponry for Ukraine if Kyiv persists with long-range strikes on Russian energy facilities.

Intelligence from the US and other partners is crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russian ballistic missile attacks, offering missile launcher locations and strike trajectories. On Tuesday, Zelensky revealed that his government did not receive "early warnings" before a powerful ballistic missile struck a major power plant in Kyiv, causing substantial damage to a residential building.

Earlier that day, Trump stated that the US had not halted intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, emphasizing their desire to end the war and cooperate with Russia in achieving that goal. A Ukrainian military source familiar with the affected operations told CNN that the challenges are significant. They are currently investigating the cause of the Starlink restrictions, which are expected to impact frontline operations and occupied territories.

The SpaceX CEO, Musk, also commented on the matter, criticizing Ukrainian President Zelensky for his actions regarding strikes on Russian fuel facilities. CNN has sought comment from SpaceX, the White House, the Pentagon, and the Ukrainian Defense Ministry regarding this issue. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has no additional information on the Starlink disruptions in Ukraine and is observing the situation closely, urging caution in drawing systemic conclusions.