SpaceX Restores Starshield Access in Ukraine Following Connectivity Disruptions
AI-generated image · US National Wire · Based on a photo by not stated (CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)
The military-grade internet system faced a 10-day period of restrictions that impacted drone operations before service returned.
SpaceX has reportedly lifted restrictions on Starshield, the military-grade version of its Starlink internet system, in Ukraine, as TechCrunch first reported.
Defense Minister Evgeniy Khmara told reporters, as cited by The Wall Street Journal, that the system appears to be functioning normally again. However, the Ukrainian military is still conducting tests and has not been provided an explanation for why the restrictions occurred.
For 10 days, Ukrainian drones experienced internet connectivity losses when reaching speeds of approximately 100 miles per hour. TechCrunch reports this resulted in the military losing control of some drones, while others were forced to fly slower, increasing their vulnerability.
TechCrunch reports that President Donald Trump called SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday to ask for the restoration of Starshield services. Both Musk and Trump have criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with Musk stating on X that Zelensky "has gone too far."
Musk claimed on X that Ukraine violated Starlink terms of service by using the system for offensive drone strikes. In a statement cited by TechCrunch, Musk asserted that if Starlink were disabled, the Ukrainian front line would "collapse immediately," describing the comment as a statement of fact rather than a threat. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Musk ordered the throttling of Ukraine's Starlink access, though some sources indicated he discussed the move with the Trump administration first.