Zelensky says Musk-owned satellite system still restricted in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the use of Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite system, Starshield, remains partially restricted in Ukraine, despite indications of full restoration earlier in the week. This limitation restricts the Ukrainian military's use of drones for intercepting Russian attack drones and supplying soldiers on the front lines. Ukrainian officials are uncertain whether this restriction is a result of a political decision by the Trump administration or SpaceX itself.

Reports indicate that SpaceX claims the issue is technical, while the White House and Trump administration attribute it to Elon Musk. Musk himself tweeted that the U.S. government was involved in disrupting Starshield. Trump, however, later claimed that the White House was not responsible for the restrictions.

The restrictions currently limit Starshield's speed to 161 kilometers per hour, compared to the unrestricted 400 kilometers per hour previously experienced. This implies a planned operation, as Ukrainian officials confirmed that the system works perfectly in EU countries but disconnects at 161 kilometers per hour within Ukraine. Zelensky also doubted SpaceX's technical explanation for the speed limit.

Ukraine utilizes SpaceX's Starlink satellite system for communication, reconnaissance, and offensive purposes, while Starshield, controlled by the U.S. government, is used for offensive military operations. Both systems were reportedly affected. The Ukrainian chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, recently met with Trump's adviser, Jared Kushner, to discuss the Starlink issue, along with potential meetings between U.S. and Ukrainian teams next week to continue conversations about a potential deal with Russia to end the war.