Ukraine says Starlink limits cripple drones as Russia strikes Kyiv

· Security · Ukraine · United States

Ukraine's military said access to SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet was suddenly restricted, disrupting drone missions and air defences, with terminals reportedly cut off when moving at high speed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he felt betrayed by Donald Trump, and Ukraine accused Washington of failing to warn it of incoming Russian missile strikes. Elon Musk said any slowdown in the military-grade Starshield system was down to the US government, which he said owns and controls it. The restrictions coincided with heavy Russian strikes that killed at least six people and cut power in Kyiv, including a ballistic missile hit on energy infrastructure covered by a ceasefire Trump announced. Zelenskyy met UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in London to shore up European support.

Why it matters：Ukraine's battlefield edge depends on US-controlled satellite links, so the curbs test Western support and could shift the war's course.

Key points

  • Ukraine is seeking clarification from the US, SpaceX and NATO on the limits.
  • Musk said the US government owns and controls Starshield.
  • Russian strikes killed at least six and cut power in Kyiv.

Sources (original reporting)

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