Ukraine’s access to Starshield, the military version of SpaceX’s Starlink network, remained impaired on October 23, 2026, more than a week after speed restrictions were imposed, according to Ukrainian officials cited by the Kyiv Independent.
“No change anywhere”
“Overall, there’s no change anywhere,” a senior Ukrainian official said. A Defence Ministry source said terminals were still losing connection at 161 km/h, and a Ukrainian intelligence official said simply: “Starshield still doesn’t work.” The Wall Street Journal reported that US President Donald Trump asked Elon Musk on October 21 to lift the restrictions.
Soldiers and civilians affected
Starshield terminals control interceptor drones that counter Russia’s Geran attack drones, as well as mid-range strike drones and logistics drones vital to front-line units. Hobbled interceptors weaken defences against Russia’s renewed bombing campaign against civilians and infrastructure.
Conflicting accounts
Trump said: “The bottom line, he put it back.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said “nothing’s changed from our view,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “That’s a private company.” Musk has said Starshield systems “are owned and controlled by the US government.” Reports from The Telegraph and the Wall Street Journal placed responsibility on Musk, while Reuters sources said the order came from the White House.
Search for alternatives
The disruption has pushed Kyiv to look at sovereign satellite communications. On the same day, ICEYE, Nokia and Ukraine’s Defence Ministry signed a letter of intent to explore a secure national system.
Sources
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