Ukrainian officials said Friday that SpaceX’s Starshield satellite service remained restricted in Ukraine, contradicting President Donald Trump’s assertion that the problem had been fixed. The disagreement leaves unresolved who ordered the limits and when normal service might resume.
Since October 14, Ukrainian officials have said SpaceX imposed speed restrictions that disconnect some drones traveling faster than 100 mph. Dmitri Alperovitch, chairman of the Silverado Policy Accelerator, told CNBC the disruptions were causing Ukraine to lose drones and limiting strikes against Russian logistics. SpaceX and Elon Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote Friday that the restrictions remained and speeds had not been restored. He said the limits had made conditions harder for Ukrainian forces, although the front line was holding. Deputy Ambassador Denys Sienik likewise said Ukraine was still waiting for the restrictions to be lifted. A Ukrainian defense technology adviser reported similar problems.
Trump said Thursday that Musk had restored service, while declining to confirm a report that he had called Musk about the issue. On Friday, Trump said he had not spoken with Musk but had heard the problem was fixed. He said he would contact Musk if it was not.
Democratic lawmakers have sought an investigation into the throttling. A bipartisan group also urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand Starshield arrangements and ensure uninterrupted satellite communications for Ukraine. The competing accounts have focused attention on the extent to which Ukraine's military operations depend on a privately operated system.
Ukraine is examining other options. Zelenskyy said he discussed new satellite communications capabilities with Norwegian officials and defense company Kongsberg. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry also signed a letter of intent with Nokia and Finnish firm ICEYE to explore sovereign satellite communications. Experts cautioned that currently available alternatives may not match Starlink’s capabilities.