Ukraine’s military reports that access to SpaceX’s government satellite communications system, Starshield (based on Starlink), is temporarily restricted, affecting drone and air-defence operations during a period of heavy Russian attacks. Multiple outlets report that the restrictions included limits tied to high-speed movement, with at least one account saying service was cut for objects moving faster than about 100 miles per hour. Ukrainian officials and others link the timing to the ability to intercept or operate drones.

According to Reuters, the order to slow Starshield originated inside the White House after internal messaging to the U.S. Department of Defense, though outlets also note that the U.S. has denied President Donald Trump personally requested the change. The decision is described as occurring amid U.S. pressure on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian refineries, along with broader tensions over intelligence sharing and support for Ukraine. By Thursday, UK defence officials say access was restored after assurances from U.S. counterparts, though the cause of the disruption remains unclear. Other reporting continues to frame the episode as part of wider U.S.–Ukraine strains while Russia continues missile and drone attacks.