On October 15, 2026, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced the restoration of Starshield operations, the military version of the Starlink satellite communication system, during movement. This came after yesterday's restrictions that raised concerns among Ukrainian military personnel.
Restrictions on Starshield Operations
On the night of October 14, SpaceX limited the operation of Starshield terminals, resulting in a reduction of communication speed at 160 km/h. The Ukrainian Armed Forces were not notified of this decision, which caused dissatisfaction and concern among the military ranks.
Response from the Ministry of Defense and Restoration of Communication
As of October 15, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that Starshield operations during movement have been restored. This is corroborated by reports from military units. The ministry continues to investigate the reasons and circumstances surrounding yesterday's restrictions and is communicating with partners to gather additional information.
- The speed restrictions on drones are no longer in effect.
- Starshield operations during movement have been restored.
- The Ministry of Defense continues to clarify the reasons for the restrictions.
Statements from Elon Musk and the White House
SpaceX founder Elon Musk stated that Starshield systems belong to the U.S. government, and the rules for their use are determined by the American military and the president. In response to the situation, the White House described the restrictions as a "technical malfunction," raising further questions about the control and management of these systems.