‘this is a planned operation, says Ukrainian official
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.
Starlink and Starshield previously functioned on drones travelling at speeds of up to 400 kmph, according to Ukrainian officials. During the tests, the satellite systems continued working when cars travelled at 180 kmph in European Union countries.
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. However, the connection dropped when the vehicles crossed into Ukraine at the same speed, Zelenskyy said. In other words, this is a planned operation,” he said.
“The conclusion is that the restrictions apply inside Ukraine but do not apply in European Union countries. Zelenskyy said Ukraine had tested the satellite systems on Friday using cars travelling at high speeds in European Union countries and inside Ukraine.