Zelenskyy says Starlink restrictions affect Ukraine but not Europe, disputes Musk’s technical explanation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Elon Musk-owned SpaceX’s satellite systems remain in place, contradicting earlier indications that the service had been fully restored.The restrictions are affecting the Ukrainian military’s ability to use drones to intercept Russian attacks and deliver supplies to troops on the front lines, Zelenskyy said.The development has raised questions in Kyiv about whether the restrictions stem from a technical issue or a political decision by the Trump administration or SpaceX.Ukrainian officials told Axios that they had received conflicting explanations from the US government and SpaceX executives, with each side appearing to attribute responsibility to the other.“SpaceX as a company tells us it is a technical problem. But our contacts in the company say it is coming from the White House. When we ask the White House, they say it is Elon,” a Ukrainian official told Axios.Zelenskyy questions technical explanationZelenskyy said Ukraine had tested the satellite systems on Friday using cars travelling at high speeds in European Union countries and inside Ukraine.According to Ukrainian officials, Starlink and Starshield previously functioned on drones travelling at speeds of up to 400 kmph. The systems are now reportedly restricted to speeds of around 161 kmph.During the tests, the satellite systems continued working when cars travelled at 180 kmph in European Union countries. However, the connection dropped when the vehicles crossed into Ukraine at the same speed, Zelenskyy said.“The conclusion is that the restrictions apply inside Ukraine but do not apply in European Union countries. In other words, this is a planned operation,” he said.The Ukrainian president also expressed scepticism about SpaceX’s explanation that the speed restrictions were caused by technical problems.Why Starlink restrictions matter for UkraineUkraine relies heavily on SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network for military communications, logistics and the operation of reconnaissance and defensive drones.The systems enable Ukrainian forces to gather intelligence, intercept incoming Russian drones and support troops deployed along the front lines. Reduced functionality could also hamper Ukraine’s ability to conduct long-range strikes against Russian targets.Ukraine uses two satellite systems for different purposes. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, supports communications and defensive military operations, while Starshield is controlled by the US government and is used for offensive military purposes.Ukrainian officials have said restrictions affected both systems.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.