Back
Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
The Starlink operational restrictions detected overnight complicated the operation of unmanned systems, logistics, and middle strike operations of the Defense Forces.
A source in the Ministry of Defense told Ukrinform this.
According to the interlocutor, the circumstances that caused the reduction in Starlink terminal speeds are currently being clarified.
Presidential technology advisor Serhiy “Flesh” Beskrestnov said that overnight the company SpaceX introduced speed restrictions for Starlink terminals while in motion, and the Defense Forces of Ukraine did not receive a warning.
Ukrainian servicemembers report that on the night of 14 October they encountered restrictions on the military version of the American satellite communications system Starlink, which is called Starshield. It is faster and critically necessary for UAV operators, four UP interlocutors said.
“At night the operation of Starlink terminals was restricted. While in motion at speeds above 160 km/h the connection began to drop out. Because of this, a number of important missions were disrupted. Presumably, the company SpaceX resorted to such measures at the request of the Trump administration,” said public figure and former advisor to the defense minister Serhiy Sternenko.
“Our head of [UAV] operations reported at a morning meeting that partners limited Starshield’s speed. Yes, this concerns Starshield specifically, the high-speed Starlink, limited to 100 miles/hour, which is approximately 160 km/h. Our people say this happened during the night,” UP writes.
One commander sent UP a video clearly showing that two Ukrainian drones that rise above a cloud lose connection — and they cannot continue their mission.
As UP’s interlocutors in the Defense Forces explain, the regular Starlink (Starlink Mini), which is mounted on drones, has a limited speed — up to 160 km/h. And that is insufficient for some missions. To allow the aircraft to fly faster, access is needed specifically to the military version of Starlink — Starshield.
Public data show that Ukraine began using Starshield in 2024.
In Kyiv, as a result of a combined Russian attack on 14 October, four people were killed and 27 injured are reported, including a 7-year-old child.
Document: PDF proof of the original version of the news item "Обмеження США роботи Starlink ускладнило роботу безпілотних систем, логістику та middle strike – ЗМІ – Центр журналістських розслідувань". It records the publication content at the moment of the first scan, the preservation date and the source: DosieNews.Info.
