“Our defense forces were not warned”: Ukraine denounces restriction of Starlink operations during the night

The operation of certain Starlink terminals, a satellite network used in particular for communication on the battlefield in Ukraine, appears to have been restricted overnight, a technological adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday. “Tonight, SpaceX introduced a speed limit for moving Starlink terminals,” said Sergiï Beskrestnov.

“This measure cannot be a coincidence”

“Our defense forces were not notified of this restriction, which resulted in the disruption of several missions. Obviously, this measure cannot be a coincidence and is linked to the current political situation,” he added. On the front, “this considerably limits logistics, above all,” a Ukrainian official told AFP on Wednesday, on condition of anonymity.

Starlink terminals, which have become a key means of communication in the war in Ukraine, make it possible to obtain a high-speed internet connection even in isolated areas. kyiv uses it in particular for communication between its troops. Starlink antennas also equip certain drones. This prevents their electronic jamming by the enemy because these devices thus remain connected to the internet and directable to their target.

Elon Musk’s back and forth on Ukraine

Elon Musk, the owner of Starlink, has an ambivalent position regarding Ukraine, repeatedly being very critical of the government of Volodymyr Zelensky, while allowing kyiv to use this technology. On Sunday, in a message published on the X network, Elon Musk estimated that it was “time for Ukraine to have a new leader”, echoing a call to this effect from American President Donald Trump.