Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused SpaceX of throttling Starshield access in Russian-occupied territories. The system, used to guide drones, is critical for military operations. Zelensky’s claim follows reports of restricted data speeds in conflict zones.
Two senior Democratic senators in the U.S. Senate have ordered SpaceX to preserve records about Starlink and Starshield restrictions in Ukraine. They warned that private control of critical communications raises national security concerns. The request comes amid growing scrutiny over the role of private companies in wartime infrastructure.
The war has intensified competition between Ukraine and Russia to build military satellite networks. Kyiv seeks to reduce reliance on Starlink as Moscow develops its own constellation for military communications. SpaceX has denied Zelensky’s claims, stating the system functions as intended. The situation highlights the strategic importance of satellite technology in modern warfare.
