Ukraine reports Starlink limits

Ukraine says SpaceX has unannounced limited Starlink operations without warning, according to presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov on Telegram as reported by Reuters.

Military operations affected

A source told The Hill that Ukrainian drones, airplanes and helicopters were impacted, with Starlink services cut off for objects traveling faster than one hundred miles per hour.

Air defense hampered

The limitations hampered Ukraine's ability to intercept and counter Russian-launched explosive drones. Military units also reported issues with drone operations at lower speeds.

Strategic consequences

A source said the restrictions give Russians leverage on the frontline at a time when Ukraine has effectively stopped their advances and is working to de-occupy territories.

“This will also give Russians a real leverage on a frontline at the time when we effectively stopped their advances, and de-occupy the territories.”

Starshield military network

Ukraine uses Starshield, the military-grade network of satellite services provided by Starlink, which is owned by Elon Musk, a tech billionaire and close ally to Trump.

SpaceX declines comment

SpaceX, which operates Starlink and is owned by Musk, did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the service limitations.

Trump pressures Ukraine

The slowdown comes as the Trump administration exercises renewed pressure on Zelensky, with Trump demanding Ukraine halt strikes on Russian oil refineries he says contribute to higher diesel prices in the U.S.

Intelligence sharing threat

Zelensky told NPR that Trump floated blocking intelligence sharing with Kyiv until Ukraine halted its strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.

“Did we get any messages it can be stopped? Yes. My generals told me we have such risk.”

Missile warning importance

Zelensky said U.S. intelligence is important for receiving warnings about Russian ballistic missile strikes, underscoring the threat of losing that information.

No warnings received

Zelensky said Ukraine had not received information about Russian missile threats over the last two nights, describing it as a technical glitch but not commenting on U.S. withholding.

Ukraine defends energy strikes

Zelensky has defended strikes on Russian energy infrastructure as defensive responses to Russian attacks against Ukraine's electricity grids and civilian infrastructure.

Trump's social media announcement

Zelensky told NPR he found out about Trump's proposed energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine through the president's social media account.

Kyiv complies then Russia strikes

Zelensky told Fox News on Monday that Kyiv held off on striking Russian energy sites following Trump's directive, but Russia hit Ukrainian gas stations, energy infrastructure and other facilities.