On the night of October 14, 2026, SpaceX implemented restrictions on the operation of Starlink terminals in Ukraine, which are used by the military. This decision led to a reduction in communication speed, which, in turn, caused the disruption of several important missions.
New Speed Restrictions
According to information provided by volunteer Serhiy Sternenko, restrictions on the use of Starlink terminals for Ukrainian operators began to take effect at speeds exceeding 160 km/h. At the same time, communication starts to drop out at speeds of 60-70 km/h.
- The restrictions pertain to the military service package StarShield.
- The military did not receive warnings about the new restrictions.
- Mission disruptions are linked to the lack of communication during critical moments.
Political Context
Advisor to the president on technology issues, Serhiy Beskrestnov, believes that these restrictions may be related to the current political situation, particularly with Elon Musk's support for Donald Trump, who recently criticized Ukraine for strikes on Russian oil refineries. This has raised concerns among Ukrainian military personnel and volunteers, who believe that such actions could threaten the safety and effectiveness of operations.
Military and Expert Reactions
Military experts express concern about the impact of these restrictions on the operational capabilities of Ukrainian forces. They emphasize that having stable communication is critically important for the successful execution of missions. In wartime, where every second counts, such restrictions could lead to serious consequences.