Ukraine Reports US Restrictions on Starlink and Intelligence Sharing Amid Pressure

Senior officials in Ukraine reported on Wednesday that the United States has imposed restrictions on Kyiv's ability to use the Starlink satellite network, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, for military operations in the war against Russia. The satellite communication network is critical for the Ukrainian military, and officials in Kyiv now report restrictions on its high-speed usage, which among other things disrupts drone attacks against Russian forces. Musk and his company have not yet commented on these claims, which come amid heavy pressure from US President Donald Trump—an ally of Musk—demanding that Kyiv halt its attacks on oil facilities deep inside Russia. Reports indicate Trump even threatened to cut off intelligence sharing or weapons supplies to Ukraine.

Musk enabled Ukrainian forces to use Starlink internet satellites in the very first days of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, and since then, the communication and navigation tools they provide have become essential on the battlefield. Starlink is considered more resilient to electronic jamming and is therefore used for Ukrainian drone strikes, particularly in the occupied territories of eastern and southern Ukraine. According to Reuters, Ukrainian drones do not use Starlink when penetrating deep into Russian territory, relying instead on other communication means. However, senior Ukrainian officials now state that military restrictions have been placed on Starlink, greatly complicating operations, especially near the frontline.

Serhii Beskarestnov, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, stated this morning that no prior notice was given before the restrictions were implemented, disrupting several missions. He explained that the restrictions cut off the military version of the service at speeds exceeding 160 kilometers per hour. He added that Starlink is also crucial for air defense systems currently used by Kyiv to intercept the fast jet drones that Russia has launched against Ukrainian cities in recent months, hinting that the step was deliberate. The Ukrainian military reported that the restrictions caused disconnections during drone flights even at lower speeds of 110 to 120 kilometers per hour, complicating control over the aircraft.

In addition to the Starlink restrictions, President Zelensky and his team have claimed that in several instances Kyiv received no advance warnings from the West regarding incoming Russian missile attacks. Western intelligence is vital for Kyiv in preparing for such strikes, and over the past two nights, no warnings were issued as missiles targeted the capital. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles alongside numerous drones overnight, resulting in casualties and extensive damage to energy infrastructure. Zelensky urged Washington and international allies to respond decisively, calling on President Trump to renew pressure on Moscow.