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The operation of some Starlink internet terminals appeared to be restricted overnight, a technology adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday, after U.S. President Donald Trump called for a pause in attacks on energy infrastructure.
Ukraine uses the satellite system controlled by SpaceX owner Elon Musk for battlefield communications, but Musk has shifted his stance on Ukraine several times since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
“Tonight SpaceX introduced a speed limit for the Starlink terminals in motion,” said Sergiy Beskrestnov, a technology adviser to Zelenskyy.
“Our defense forces were not warned about this restriction, which led to the disruption of a number of missions,” he said.
“Obviously, this action cannot be a coincidence and is linked to the current political situation,” Beskrestnov added.
A senior Ukrainian official told Agence France-Presse that the disruption “severely restricts logistics, first and foremost.”
Ukraine has been using Starlink terminals to provide satellite internet connections as an alternative to radio control for its drones.
“Some restrictions were already being reported yesterday evening. So, in effect, it is happening in sync with this morning’s Russian ballistic attack,” the Ukrainian official said.
Trump wrote on social media Sunday that “Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!”
But there is no sign that either side is ready for such a ceasefire.
Ukraine reported that a Russian missile struck a power plant in Kyiv on Tuesday evening.
Zelenskyy said in August that Kyiv was seeking to develop an alternative to Starlink in partnership “with a European country,” which he did not identify.
Trump said Tuesday that Washington was still sharing intelligence with Ukraine, even as Kyiv reported new Russian missile attacks that came without the usual warnings and accused Moscow of violating the energy truce announced by the U.S. president.
Zelenskyy said Russian forces attacked Kyiv on Tuesday with ballistic missiles, targeting a thermal power plant.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a strike on a high-rise apartment building killed two people.
“Once again, no advance warning from our partners,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram, without explaining why no warning was given.
“According to our intelligence, the Russians are preparing further ballistic missile launches,” he said, adding that the attacks showed Russia did not feel bound by Trump’s energy ceasefire.
Trump on Sunday announced a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but the warring sides have not confirmed the truce.
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