Ukraine accuses the United States and Elon Musk’s SpaceX of limiting access to Starlink, a critical satellite internet service, during a recent wave of missile attacks. The country’s military reported disruptions in drone operations and communication systems, citing sudden changes to the service.
The outage occurred without prior notice, according to Ukrainian officials. Starlink has been vital for coordinating defense efforts, especially against Russian drone attacks. Reports suggest the service was modified to restrict certain functionalities, potentially limiting the ability to track and intercept incoming threats.
The situation follows a major attack that left 600,000 people without power in Kyiv. Ukrainian authorities stated that some strikes targeted energy infrastructure, just days after President Trump announced an “energy ceasefire.” Zelensky criticized the lack of warning for the missile strikes, accusing the US of failing to provide timely alerts.
Zelensky also expressed frustration over a recent deal allowing Ukraine to import Russian diesel fuel. He called the agreement a betrayal, arguing it placed the country on the “wrong side of history.” Trump has been pressuring Zelensky to halt attacks on Russian oil facilities, further complicating diplomatic relations.
The restrictions on Starlink come amid growing concerns about the US’s role in supporting Ukraine’s defense. Ukrainian officials claim the modifications to the service may have been intentional, potentially aiding Russia by limiting Ukraine’s ability to respond effectively. The situation highlights the increasing reliance on foreign technology in the conflict and the potential consequences of its disruption.
