PNN – The President of Ukraine has stated that restrictions imposed on the Starlink and Starshield satellite systems within the country remain in place; contrary to claims that these restrictions have been lifted, the operation of these systems in Ukraine continues to face disruptions.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the restrictions on the Starlink and Starshield (the military version of the Starlink system) satellite networks remain in effect. He noted that these limitations have hindered the Ukrainian military’s ability to counter Russian drones and provide support to troops stationed on the front lines.
According to Ukrainian officials, it remains unclear whether these restrictions were imposed as a result of a political decision by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, or if they stem from a decision by Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX. Ukrainian officials state that the White House and SpaceX executives have offered conflicting accounts regarding the reason for these restrictions.
One Ukrainian official told Axios: SpaceX tells us it’s a technical issue, but our contacts within the company say the restrictions originate from the White House. When we ask the White House, they say it’s Elon’s doing.
On Wednesday, Elon Musk stated in a post on the social media platform X that the U.S. government plays a role in disrupting the Starshield system. He wrote that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the U.S. government, and that any limitations on their speed or usage are determined by the U.S. military—and ultimately, by the President of the United States.
However, Donald Trump stated on Friday that the White House played no role in restricting Ukraine’s access to these systems.
The Telegraph also reported on Friday that Musk had suggested to Trump that the speed or performance of the Starlink and Starshield satellite networks—used by the Ukrainian military—should be restricted. A source familiar with the matter told Axios that Trump did not object to Musk’s proposal. However, a White House official rejected the report, stating that the claim is entirely false; Starlink has not experienced any reduction in performance and remains fully operational.
In remarks made on Saturday, Zelensky emphasized that these systems are not yet fully operational in Ukraine. According to Ukrainian officials, prior to the imposition of restrictions, the Starlink and Starshield networks could be used even on drones traveling at speeds of 400 km/h; however, this speed is now limited to 161 km/h.
The Ukrainian military uses the Starlink system for military communications, controlling reconnaissance drones, and guiding interceptor drones. These interceptor drones are deployed to counter incoming hostile drones. Any limitations on the system’s functionality could diminish Ukraine’s capacity for intelligence gathering, drone interception, and conducting long-range strikes against Russian targets.