SpaceX seems to have lifted limitations on the Ukrainian military’s access to Starshield, the enhanced military version of its Starlink internet service.
According to reports, Defense Minister Evgeniy Khmara informed the media that Starshield has resumed normal operation, though the military continues to run tests and has yet to receive clarification regarding the earlier restrictions.
This development follows a ten-day interval during which Ukrainian drones experienced loss of internet connection while cruising at speeds close to 100 miles per hour. This led to operational difficulties, as some drones lost control, while others became more exposed by flying at reduced speeds.
Former President Donald Trump reportedly reached out to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday, urging him to reinstate Starshield services. Both Trump and Musk have voiced criticism against Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, with Musk recently stating, “Zelensky has gone too far.”
Earlier coverage mentioned that Musk had instructed SpaceX to limit Ukraine’s access to Starlink, though some reports suggested that he had discussed the matter with the Trump administration prior to the decision. Musk asserted on social media that Ukraine had “breached Starlink’s terms of service” by employing it for offensive drone operations resulting in fatalities.
“If Starlink were to be disabled, the Ukrainian front would collapse immediately,” Musk remarked. “This is not a threat; it is merely a factual statement.”
