Ukraine Seeks End to Starshield Speed Cap Amid Escalating Conflict
Pentagon-managed satellite service restricts military communications as senators demand investigation into network disruptions.
Carla Rooney
Ukraine is in talks with SpaceX and the Pentagon to lift a speed cap on its military satellite communication service, Starshield.
Military-grade Starlink receptors, part of the Pentagon-managed Starshield package for partner countries, ceased functioning in Ukraine when mounted on fast-moving objects.
Serhii Beskrestnov states Ukraine has no explanation for the restriction's imposition. Beskrestnov claims the speed cap represents not only a technical and business issue, but also a political one.
A bipartisan group of US senators sent a letter to the US Department of Defense inspector general on Thursday. They demand an investigation into reported disruptions to SpaceX's Starlink internet network in Ukraine.
restrictions reportedly degraded Ukraine's ability to conduct defensive operations against Russian drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen led the letter, with several other Republican and Democratic senators signing. Starlink, owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, cut Moscow's access to the service in February, giving Kyiv an advantage in the conflict.
Elon Musk claims the U.S. government owns and controls Starshield. He states decisions about its use rest with the American military and, ultimately, with President Donald Trump.
Donald Trump, however, claims the disruption did not originate from him or Elon Musk. He states that, from his understanding, the service remains as it has always been.
Ukraine explores alternative satellite networks from Amazon and OneWeb. These efforts come as Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries.
Russia stands accused of launching missile and drone strikes on energy targets. Russian strikes on power stations knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people.
The EU continues to provide Ukraine with regular payments from a €90bn funding plan. The EU froze approximately €210bn of Russian assets.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met European leaders in Brussels to request €70bn for Ukraine's defense. French President Emmanuel Macron vowed that EU states would not abandon Ukraine.
EU states would not abandon Ukraine.
The European Commission president stated that Russia did not respect the energy ceasefire. The EU intends to increase sanctions.