Starlink Back After Ukraine War Access Halted

Ukraine’s Starlink and Starshield satellite systems have resumed full operations after a major disruption that hampered military efforts and intelligence coordination, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence ^[2]. The restoration began overnight and was confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a Telegram video address ^[1]. He credited US allies, including President Donald Trump and the State Department, for resolving the issue.

The restrictions, which capped Starshield speeds at 160km/h (99mph), were imposed last week and coincided with a controversial announcement by Trump that he had agreed to buy Russian diesel and lifted sanctions on Moscow ^[2]. Ukrainian officials said the slowdown severely impacted drone interception and forced the cancellation of several combat missions ^[1].

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, confirmed on X that his company enforced limits on Starlink use in Ukraine after discovering violations of its terms of service, specifically citing offensive drone strikes ^[3]. He claimed the restriction was a response to a so-called 'loophole' that allowed military use beyond civilian purposes. Musk stated that any limits on Starshield were decided by the US military and ultimately the US president ^[1].

However, Ukrainian officials have pointed to a White House order to throttle Starshield, citing reports from Reuters ^[2]. Zelenskyy said the restrictions were not accidental but a 'planned operation' that disproportionately affected Ukraine while EU countries faced no such limits ^[1]. He warned the move could lead to 'a lot of human losses'.

The disruption also coincided with a temporary halt in US intelligence warnings about incoming Russian missile attacks, which Zelenskyy said left Ukraine blind to ballistic missile launches ^[3]. Kyiv later confirmed intelligence sharing resumed, though the gap raised alarm.

Trump denied direct involvement, saying he had not spoken to Musk but would 'get it straightened out' if needed ^[1]. He later claimed Musk had restored the service ^[3]. Musk, in turn, called critics 'bloodthirsty warmongers' and responded to a call for Zelenskyy’s removal with 'Yes'.

The incident has deepened tensions between Kyiv and Washington, especially after Trump pushed for Ukraine to replace its leadership and pursued a deal with Russia ^[3]. Despite the resolution, the episode underscores the fragility of Ukraine’s reliance on US-backed technology in a war where every second counts. The story was first reported by The Guardian and ABC News (AU).