Ukraine Requests SpaceX to Reverse New Restrictions on Starshield Service

<p>Ukraine is urging Elon Musk's SpaceX to reverse new restrictions on its Starshield satellite service, which officials warn could hinder military operations against Russian attack drones, according to a source familiar with the situation.</p><p>The restrictions were implemented without prior notice, despite Ukraine relying on the service under agreements contracted through the U.S. government, which are set to last until May 15, 2027, the source stated.</p><p>Ukrainian forces discovered the changes overnight after experiencing connectivity issues and contacting SpaceX customer support.</p><p>They were informed that Starshield service would be limited for platforms traveling at speeds of 100 miles per hour or higher, according to the source.</p><p>Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on defense technology, indicated that this change could significantly impact Ukraine's ability to intercept Russia's newer, jet-powered Shahed attack drones, stating it threatens "one of our few chances to defend the country" against them.</p><p>Ukrainian forces have begun documenting the effects on the battlefield. The 7th Rapid Response Corps reported that one unmanned systems unit on the Huliaipole front had to cancel missions due to connectivity problems, noting interruptions even while drones were operating below the 100 mph threshold.</p><p>Starshield is SpaceX's national security satellite service, based on technology developed for the more widely known Starlink network.</p><p>The new restrictions could impact Ukrainian drones, aircraft, and helicopters that depend on Starshield connectivity while moving at high speeds, including those used to intercept Russian Shahed attacks. Ukrainian units are already reporting performance issues at speeds below the stated threshold, according to the source.</p><p>Ukraine has reached out to SpaceX for clarification on the restrictions and requested the restoration of previous service capabilities, as the source indicated.</p><p>Ukraine communicated to Musk's company that the restrictions had not previously applied to its terminals and were causing significant operational challenges for Ukrainian forces in their ongoing conflict with Russia.</p><p>Kyiv also pointed out that its existing service agreements, contracted through the U.S. government until May 15, 2027, cover land-based mobile and fixed uses, including mobile platforms, according to the source.</p><p>As of Wednesday morning, SpaceX had not responded to Ukraine's request, the source noted.</p><p>Polish Foreign Minister Radislaw Sikorski criticized Musk over the restrictions, stating, "Hey @elonmusk, big man, are you playing politics with your products again? As your European customers, we are watching you," in a post on X.</p><p>Poland funds over 2,900 Starlink terminals operating in Ukraine.</p><p>Sikorski and Musk previously clashed over Ukraine's reliance on Starlink, with Musk telling Sikorski, "Be quiet, small man."</p><p>Fox News Digital has contacted the Pentagon, White House, and SpaceX for further details. There has been no public confirmation that Musk personally ordered the restrictions.</p><p>The Pentagon, through Space Force, contracts with SpaceX for Starshield services, which gives the department a direct role in managing the government's agreements with the company. However, the existence of a Pentagon contract does not clarify whether the military or SpaceX has authority over specific operational restrictions, including the new speed limit.</p>