Ukraine Slams SpaceX for Limiting Starlink Access During Russian Attacks

Ukrainian officials expressed strong condemnation Wednesday after Elon Musk’s SpaceX reportedly limited access to its Starlink satellite internet service, impacting combat drone operations during a period of intensified Russian attacks. The throttling, which capped drone velocities at 100 miles per hour, was implemented without prior warning to Ukrainian forces, according to a source familiar with the situation.

This restriction has disrupted critical defense operations, including the use of UAVs, airplanes, and helicopters, potentially affecting efforts to counter Russian drones and impacting logistics. "Our defense forces did not receive a warning about this limitation, and this led to the disruption of ⁠several missions," Serhiy Beskrestnov, a presidential adviser, stated on Telegram.

Ukraine has heavily relied on Starlink for its defense against Russian aggression. Poland alone reportedly contributes approximately $50 million annually for the service. The timing of the Starlink service limitation coincided with a renewed wave of Russian ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting Ukrainian energy and civilian infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia launched 39 ballistic missiles and over 120 drones, causing widespread power outages for an estimated 600,000 people.

This incident has drawn criticism from Polish officials. Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski questioned Musk’s motives on X, stating, “As your European customers, we are watching you.”

The controversy also follows recent public statements by Musk and former President Donald Trump regarding Ukraine's leadership. Trump has previously urged Kyiv to cease striking Russian energy targets, citing global energy prices. He also suggested that Ukrainian President Zelensky should consider a new leader. Musk echoed these sentiments on X, posting that “Zelensky has gone too far” and that it was “time for Ukraine to get a new leader."

Ukraine's current contract with Starlink extends until May 15, 2027, and the country has reportedly contacted SpaceX for clarification on the service limitations.