# Ukraine loses Starshield access as tensions with Trump rise > Ukrainian forces report speed restrictions on SpaceX's military satellite service amid political friction between Kyiv and Washington. - Title: Ukraine loses Starshield access as tensions with Trump rise - Summary: Ukrainian forces report speed restrictions on SpaceX's military satellite service amid political friction between Kyiv and Washington. Ukraine's military… - Keywords: ukraine, starshield, spacex, starlink, military satellite, drone operations, volodymyr zelensky, donald trump, russia, battlefield communications, news, world - Source: TIME — https://time.com/article/2026/10/15/what-is-starshield-spacex-military-version-starlink-restrictions-ukraine-battlefield - Author: Tiago Ventura - Published: 2026-10-15T20:44:33+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: ukraine, starshield, spacex, starlink, military satellite, drone operations, volodymyr zelensky, donald trump, russia, battlefield communications, news, world ## Ukraine loses Starshield access overnight Ukrainian forces said Wednesday battlefield efforts had been hampered after losing some access to SpaceX's military-grade satellite internet service, which has become a lifeline as Kyiv weathers Moscow's attacks. ## What Starshield is and does Starlink offers internet connectivity from satellites in low-Earth orbit. Its sister service Starshield, a military version developed for the Pentagon, relies on the Starlink network and has been used by Ukrainian forces to strengthen drone… ## Speed restrictions imposed on military package Serhiy Beskrestnov, a military technology expert advising President Volodymyr Zelensky, said speed restrictions had been imposed on the military package of Starshield services, leading to the failure of several military missions. ## Restrictions apply to devices over one hundred miles per hour Beskrestnov claimed the restrictions applied to devices traveling over one hundred miles per hour and using Starshield. He said the restrictions were related to the current political situation but did not offer further details. ## Tensions high over Trump's Russia energy deal Tensions are high between the U.S.and Ukraine as Zelensky has been vocal in disapproval of U.S.President Donald Trump's plan to import diesel from Russia, despite previous sanctions prohibiting it. ## Ukraine resumes strikes despite Trump pressure After Trump announced an energy cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine, Zelensky accused Moscow of violating any such agreement.Ukraine has resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries despite pressure from Washington.Trump called Ukraine's strikes a disgrace. > disgrace ## Zelensky: people will die without Starshield Speaking from the U.K., Zelensky said it was a pity Ukrainian forces had experienced difficulties with Starlink services. > people will die, if attacks will continue and if Starshield will not work … it's not helpful ## Zelensky shifts from technical error to deliberate act Zelensky initially suggested the restriction was perhaps a huge technical problem at SpaceX. However, in another interview, Zelensky said it was not a technical problem but the will of someone. > It was not a technical problem, it was the will ## Musk: U.S. military controls Starshield decisions SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk addressed the matter, insisting Starlink and Starshield are different.He said Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the U.S.government, with limits decided by the U.S.military and ultimately the president. > Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the U.S. government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the U.S. military and ultimately POTUS ## White House denies making the request A senior U.S. official told TIME no such request was ever made by the president. However, Reuters later reported citing three U.S. officials that the decision came from inside the White House. ## Starshield service reportedly resumes Ukrainian national news agency Ukrinform reported Thursday, citing sources within the Ministry of Defense, that the Starshield service had resumed. TIME has reached out to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense for comment. ## Key takeaway Ukraine's military lost access to SpaceX's Starshield service after speed restrictions were imposed, hampering drone operations as tensions escalate between Kyiv and the Trump administration over energy policy.