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Ukrainian officials said the restrictions complicated strike missions against Russian forces.
Zelensky has repeatedly complained that Ukraine is running short of US-made interceptors
Starshield is SpaceX's satellite program for governments and the military.
EU leaders are addressing concerns regarding Ukraine's reliance on Elon Musk's Starlink satellite for military communications. Disruptions to the Starlink service have highlighted the urgent need for European alternatives. Officials discussed how to strengthen Europe's satellite communication capabilities during a recent summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Investor interest in European satellite companies, such as Eutelsat and SES, has surged after the disruptions.
Ukraine uses Starshield, Starlink's military-grade satellite service
Any limit to Ukraine's access to the Starshield system was not imposed by the United States, Trump added
Ukraine's military operations have experienced setbacks due to access restrictions on SpaceX's Starshield satellite network. This has particularly hindered drone missions, especially those focused on air defense. Officials have raised alarms about the deteriorating satellite connectivity, which is vital for effective coordination against Russian forces. The persistent disruption poses significant challenges for Ukraine's ability to respond effectively on the battlefield and maintain operational momentum in ongoing conflicts.
The cap, imposed without warning early October 15, cuts the internet data connection when a communication terminal moves faster than 160 kph, which is common for Ukrainian drones equipped with Starshield