Starlink is becoming a space telecommunications giant.

Ukraine’s military has faced unexpected restrictions on its use of Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, according to multiple reports. The limitations reportedly affected the performance of Ukrainian drones, planes, and helicopters, reducing their operational effectiveness during ongoing combat operations. The issue emerged following a sharp increase in tensions between the United States and Ukraine, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump controversially agreed to ease sanctions on Russian oil exports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration, calling the situation a “big mistake” and warning that the restrictions could lead to human casualties. The restrictions appeared to apply specifically to the military version of Starlink, known as Starshield, which is used by Ukrainian forces for coordination, drone guidance, and intelligence gathering. According to a source familiar with the matter, Starlink services were cut off for objects moving faster than 100 miles per hour, affecting the capabilities of Ukrainian drones and aircraft. This limitation hindered the ability of Ukrainian forces to track and intercept Russian drones, including the high-speed Shahed models, which travel at around 320 kilometers per hour. Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, stated that decisions regarding the speed and usage of Starshield are made by the U.S. military and ultimately by the U.S. president. He emphasized that Starlink is a commercial service under the ownership and control of SpaceX, while Starshield is a separate system managed by the U.S. government. Musk clarified that any restrictions on Starlink’s use for military purposes would be determined by the U.S. military and the president, not by SpaceX itself. Ukrainian officials have raised concerns about the timing of the restrictions, linking them to recent diplomatic disputes involving Trump and the easing of sanctions on Russian oil exports. Serhiy Beskrestnov, a senior advisor to Zelensky, noted that the restrictions were not accidental and were tied to the current political climate. He highlighted that the decision to limit Starlink access followed a period of heightened tension between Ukraine and the U.S., particularly after Trump’s controversial agreement with Russia. The impact of these restrictions became evident quickly, as Ukrainian military operations were disrupted. Reports indicated that offensive actions were canceled, logistics were interrupted, and the ability to intercept Russian drones was compromised. Mykola Bielieskov, a military analyst at the National Institute for Strategic Studies in Kyiv, warned that the interruption of Starlink services could create chaos on the battlefield, as the system is crucial for coordinating ground and aerial units and guiding attack drones. Despite partial restoration of Starlink services later in the week, Ukrainian officials remained concerned about the potential for further disruptions. They continued to seek clarity on the reasons behind the restrictions and who was responsible for implementing them. Some analysts speculated that the restrictions could be a form of retaliation or a signal from the U.S. side, although no definitive evidence has been presented to confirm this theory. The incident has sparked calls for accountability from both U.S. senators and Ukrainian officials. Senator Thom Tillis demanded explanations from Musk and urged an investigation into the matter, while Senator Richard Blumenthal called for Trump and Musk to be held responsible for any deliberate actions that could weaken Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. Meanwhile, Zelensky expressed disappointment with the U.S. response, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong partnership with the United States in the face of ongoing threats from Russia. As the situation unfolds, the role of Starlink in supporting Ukrainian military operations remains critical. With the possibility of further restrictions looming, the need for reliable and uninterrupted communication systems becomes even more pressing for Ukrainian forces engaged in combat against Russian aggression.