Ukraine’s Urgent Request to SpaceX: Reconsider Restrictions on Starshield Satellite Service

Ukraine is urgently asking SpaceX to reverse new restrictions on its Starshield satellite service. These changes could impact Ukraine’s efforts to intercept Russian drones and perform military operations, according to a source familiar with the matter. The restrictions were imposed without warning, despite existing agreements with the U.S. government set to last until May 15, 2027.

Ukrainian forces found out about these restrictions after experiencing connectivity issues. Upon contacting SpaceX, they learned that Starshield’s service would be restricted for platforms moving at speeds over 100 miles per hour. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov later stated that connectivity at speeds below this new threshold was being restored, but emphasized the need to remove the speed restriction entirely.

Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on defense technology, warned that the change could hinder Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russia’s Shahed drones, which are jet-powered. This situation affects Ukraine’s ability to cancel missions due to connectivity problems, even when drones are traveling below the 100 mph threshold.

“Starlink connectivity at speeds of up to 160 km/h is being restored,” Fedorov wrote on X. “Removing Starshield’s speed limit entirely is now critical for Ukraine’s defense.” Thanking Elon Musk, Fedorov expressed hope for continued support.

Senator Thom Tillis questioned SpaceX on X about the intent behind the restrictions, suggesting that degrading Ukraine’s defense capabilities could be seen as aiding a mass murderer. Starshield is part of SpaceX’s national security satellite services, and its changes impact drones and aircraft that rely on high-speed Starshield connectivity.

UKRAINE SEEKS MORE US PATRIOT INTERCEPTORS AS BOMB SHELTER PROBE DEEPENS An office building burns following a Russian drone attack in central Odesa, Ukraine, on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (Michael Shtekel/AP)

Ukraine reached out to SpaceX for clarification and requested the restoration of previous service capabilities. They noted that the restriction wasn’t applied before and is causing operational issues during the conflict with Russia. Kyiv highlighted the service agreements with the U.S. government until 2027, covering mobile and fixed uses.

SpaceX had not responded to Ukraine’s request by Wednesday morning. Polish Foreign Minister Radislaw Sikorski criticized Musk, questioning whether political motives influenced the restrictions. Poland funds over 2,900 Starlink terminals in Ukraine. Sikorski and Musk had clashed previously over Ukraine’s dependence on Starlink.

The Pentagon, which contracts SpaceX for Starshield services, has yet to publicly confirm Musk’s direct involvement in the restrictions. The department’s agreements with SpaceX, made via Space Force, do not specify which entity governs operational restrictions like the new speed limit.