Starshield is the military version of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, built for government and defence use. On Thursday 12 November 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian military units had recorded significant disruptions to Starshield for several days, affecting the entire front line and Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, and hampering its defences against Russian drones.

Ukraine relies heavily on satellite internet for military communications and drone operations. Starlink terminals are used across the front, including on vehicles and on drones themselves, to keep units connected where mobile networks and cables have been destroyed or are unsafe to use. Starshield is the variant of the system supplied for military users.

What restrictions has Zelenskyy reported?

Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian military had investigated the disruption and found it was not a series of random errors but systematic speed restrictions. Terminals moving faster than 161 kilometres per hour (100 miles per hour) are cut off from the service. That matters because Ukraine’s interceptor drones need speed to catch up with Russian jet-powered drones. Zelenskyy said that, because of the restrictions, Ukrainian interceptors could not reach sufficient speed, and some Russian drones had already got through and hit their targets.

He raised the issue at the European Political Community summit in Dublin, telling leaders that near the front line Ukrainian aircraft cannot be used, so only drone interceptors can operate there, and without the speed they need, shooting down the drones becomes much harder. Ukraine is seeking answers from the United States about the restrictions.

Has this happened before?

Yes. In mid-October, Ukrainian officials said SpaceX had abruptly capped the speed of Starlink and Starshield in the same way, cutting off drones and other equipment moving faster than about 160 km/h. Service was restored on 24 October. At the time, SpaceX founder Elon Musk said that any restrictions on Starshield were determined by the US government and the president.

For now, Ukraine says it does not know how long the restrictions will last. Sources: Reuters and Satellite Today.

What is the difference between Starshield and Starlink?

Starlink is the commercial satellite internet service sold to households and businesses. Starshield is the government and military version of the same SpaceX satellite system, supplied for defence users such as Ukraine’s armed forces.

Why does a speed limit matter for a satellite service?

The limit applies to terminals in motion. A drone carrying a Starshield terminal that flies faster than 161 km/h loses its connection, so fast interceptor drones cannot stay online while chasing Russian attack drones.

What has SpaceX said about the restrictions?

When similar restrictions appeared in October, Elon Musk said any restrictions on Starshield were determined by the US government and the president. Ukraine says it is now seeking answers from the US about the new disruption.