Ukraine Says Starlink Restrictions Disrupted Military Missions

Ukraine says new speed-related restrictions on SpaceX satellite terminals used by its forces have disrupted military missions, including drone operations. Ukrainian officials reported the change took effect without advance warning, but the precise technical scope and who authorized it have not been established. Presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov said the restriction applied to terminals in motion above about 160 kilometers per hour. He said Ukrainian forces were not warned and that several missions were disrupted. His account was echoed by Ukraine’s 7th Rapid Reaction Corps, which said some units canceled missions after losing connections during flights. The corps reported interruptions lasting 10 to 20 seconds at speeds of 110 to 120 kilometers per hour. It said the drones continued moving, but the signal losses made them harder to control. Those reported interruptions occurred below the speed threshold Beskrestnov described. The reports do not establish the exact equipment or conditions affected, and Ukrainian officials’ observations have not been independently verified in the material available.