Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's adviser has cautioned that new restrictions on missile connectivity to the Starlink network are hindering Ukraine's military operations on the battlefield.
Ukraine was not notified in advance about the implementation of 160 km/h speed limits by SpaceX, a company owned by Elon Musk.
The Ukrainian government has leveraged the capabilities of Starlink to enhance its drone operations, utilizing the technology to guide aerial assets towards Russian targets while safeguarding Ukrainian airspace.
Russian ballistic missiles struck targets in Ukraine's capital over the course of the past two nights, catching residents off guard as air raid sirens were unable to sound in advance.
SpaceX's decision is likely not an isolated incident and is instead connected to the current geopolitical climate.
The US-based company has declined to provide a statement on the matter.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a significant military invasion of Ukraine in 2022, resulting in Moscow's control over approximately 20% of Ukraine's territory.
Ukraine relies heavily on advanced satellite systems provided by the United States to monitor Russian missile launches, enabling the country to issue timely warnings and undertake efforts to intercept and destroy the incoming projectiles.
SpaceX has reportedly implemented a speed restriction on Starlink terminals, effective from nighttime to morning hours. This measure has allegedly resulted in the disruption of multiple missions.
A recent development has highlighted the effectiveness of Starlink technology in enabling interceptors to successfully target and destroy Russian drones.
A Ukrainian Defense Ministry source informed the BBC that a disruption in Starlink's connectivity was detected the previous night, specifically affecting speeds above 160 kilometers per hour. The source stated that an investigation is currently underway to identify the primary cause of the issue.
According to Defense Ministry sources, a loss of connection occurs when a vehicle or resource exceeds a predetermined speed threshold of 160 kilometers per hour.
The BBC was informed that the situation severely hampers the execution of air operations, particularly for interceptor and intermediate-attack drones, as well as compromises front-line logistics, recognition, and signal retransmission capabilities.
Musk's decision in February to restrict Russian forces' access to Starlink thwarted Moscow's progress in Ukraine, also resulting in confusion among Russian military commanders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that the United States has warned him of potential restrictions on intelligence sharing unless he agrees to a proposed energy ceasefire announced by former US President Donald Trump. In response, Trump has denied that the US is withholding any intelligence information, making this statement on Tuesday.
On Wednesday night, Ukraine reported that Russia launched a significant aerial assault, firing 39 ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as 128 unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that four of the missiles and 115 of the drones were successfully intercepted and destroyed.
Kiev has been targeted by Russian missile strikes for the second consecutive night, coinciding with preparations for Ukrainian President Zelensky's scheduled meeting in London with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, formerly Andy Burnham, to discuss expedited air defense aid shipments to the city.
Ukrainian President Zelensky reported that at least 600,000 people across the country will be left without electricity following a series of Russian missile and drone strikes that occurred overnight.
A spokesperson for the relevant party reported that critical energy infrastructure in both Kiev, the capital, and Kharkov, a northeastern city, had been targeted, contradicting President Donald Trump's assurance on Sunday of an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine.
Local authorities in Kiev reported a death toll of three following recent violence in the area. Russian officials claimed that their military operations had targeted key infrastructure utilized by the Ukrainian military, including communications and energy facilities, with significant force.
At least six individuals lost their lives in a Russian drone strike on a warehouse in Lutsk, a city located in northwestern Ukraine, according to local authorities.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that 902 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and shot down over the course of a single night in multiple regions, including Moscow, the Russian capital, and Crimea, a southern peninsula in Ukraine that Russia annexed in 2014.
US President Donald Trump announced an immediate energy ceasefire in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, effective immediately.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently emphasized that his country is prepared to cease its strikes against Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure, provided that Moscow reciprocates by halting similar actions.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated that Ukraine does not merit the conditions necessary for a ceasefire, effectively dismissing the possibility of a temporary halt to hostilities.
The official stated that, under any potential ceasefire agreement, Europe could potentially arm Ukraine with advanced weaponry, thereby enabling Ukraine to continue military operations.
The original article was written in English and translated using an artificial intelligence tool. Prior to publication, a BBC reporter reviewed the translated text to ensure its accuracy. For more information on the BBC's use of translation technology, please visit our website.
