Ukraine is urgently requesting SpaceX to lift new limitations on its Starshield satellite service. Kyiv cautions that these restrictions might impede its capabilities in intercepting Russian attack drones and conducting military operations. A source acquainted with the circumstances shared this information with Fox News Digital.
The restrictions were applied abruptly without any prior notification, although Ukraine depended on the service through the U.S. government arrangements set to last until May 15, 2027. Ukrainian forces discovered the change after facing connectivity difficulties and contacting SpaceX’s customer support. They learned that Starshield service was limited for platforms moving at speeds above 100 miles per hour, according to the source.
Within hours, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that connectivity at speeds below the new limit was reinstated, emphasizing Kyiv’s desire to eliminate the speed restriction entirely. He stated, “Starlink connectivity at speeds up to 160 km/h is being restored. Removing Starshield’s speed limit entirely is now critical for Ukraine’s defense.” Fedorov thanked Elon Musk and expressed hope for his continued support.
Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on defense technology, highlighted that the adjustment could severely undermine efforts to counter Russia’s newer, jet-powered Shahed attack drones. He noted it threatened “one of our few chances to defend the country.” Ukrainian forces have started documenting battlefield effects, and Ukraine’s 7th Rapid Response Corps reported that one unmanned systems unit on the Huliaipole front canceled missions due to connectivity issues.
Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina questioned SpaceX’s intention. He commented, “I’m confident this does not reflect a change in SpaceX policy because if so, intentionally degrading Ukraine’s ability to defend itself might be construed as aiding and abetting a mass murderer. Can you confirm that’s not SpaceX’s intent?”
Starshield serves as SpaceX’s national security satellite service, deriving its technology from the more widely recognized Starlink network. This change affects Ukrainian drones, aircraft, and helicopters reliant on Starshield connectivity at high speeds. Performance problems were reported even at speeds below the stated threshold.
Ukraine requested SpaceX to explain the limitations and restore the previous service capabilities, as communicated by a source familiar with the move. The restrictions hadn’t applied to the terminals before, creating operational challenges for Ukrainian forces battling with aggressor Russia. Kyiv pointed out its existing service arrangements through the U.S. government include land-based mobile and fixed uses until May 2027.
As of Wednesday morning, SpaceX had not replied to Ukraine’s request. Polish Foreign Minister Radislaw Sikorski criticized Musk for the constraints and questioned his motives, stating, “Hey @elonmusk, big man, are you playing politics with your products again? As your European customers, we are watching you.” Poland supports over 2,900 Starlink terminals functioning in Ukraine.
Sikorski and Musk previously clashed about Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink. Musk retorted to Sikorski to “Be quiet, small man.”
Fox News Digital sought insights from the Pentagon, White House, and SpaceX. No public confirmation exists that Musk personally authorized the restrictions. Through Space Force, the Pentagon contracts with SpaceX for Starshield services, granting it a role in managing the U.S. government’s agreements with SpaceX. However, the Pentagon contract does not confirm whether the military or SpaceX possesses authority over specific operational limitations, including the new speed limit.