Zelensky Says Starlink Slowdown Threatens Ukrainian Lives
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that unannounced limits on SpaceX's Starlink service are undermining Ukraine's air defenses and could lead to deaths. He called the slowdown a mistake and suggested it might stem from a technical problem. A source said Starlink was disabled for objects moving faster than 100 miles per hour, affecting drones, airplanes, and helicopters, after U.S. intelligence-sharing threats and a decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel.
In a Wednesday interview with Piers Morgan, Ukraine’s president said restrictions on SpaceX’s satellite network had hampered air-defense efforts. He described the service reduction as a serious error and warned that continued attacks without reliable Starlink coverage would cost lives. He also said he hoped the issue was accidental, possibly a major technical failure at SpaceX.
A person familiar told The Hill that Starlink was unavailable for objects moving faster than 100 miles per hour, limiting drones, planes, and helicopters. This came after the Trump administration threatened to end intelligence sharing with Kyiv and lifted sanctions on Russian diesel as fuel prices soared. A post from Piers Morgan’s program said Zelensky believed the slowdown was intended to damage him.
The disruption could affect Ukrainian civilians, military personnel, and emergency responders who rely on Starlink for communications and air defense. If service limits persist, drone operations, aviation, and interception of attacks may become less reliable, potentially increasing risks during strikes. The episode may also intensify scrutiny of private satellite providers’ role in conflicts and of how governments coordinate with commercial networks, though the full consequences remain uncertain.