Overview
- Ukrainian commanders reported last-week speed caps on SpaceX’s Starshield that reduced drone range and slowed frontline communications during heavy Russian strikes, hampering some defensive and strike missions.
- The Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump called Elon Musk and asked him to lift the restrictions, and Trump told reporters on Thursday that the system was 'back' in Ukraine.
- Ukrainian officials including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy say localized speed limits persist and that full connection speeds have not been restored, creating a gap between Washington’s public claims and conditions on the ground.
- SpaceX boss Elon Musk has said Starshield is controlled by the U.S. government, while Pentagon officials have denied ordering any slowdown, leaving conflicting public accounts over who set the limits.
- Lawmakers and allies are demanding briefings and oversight as the episode highlights risks of relying on private firms for military-grade satellite services and the potential effects on battlefield operations and civilian safety.