Zelensky: Starshield restriction is technically imposed by SpaceX

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made clear that the technical restriction on the operation of the Starshield satellite program — the military version of Starlink used by the Ukrainian military — was imposed by the American company SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk.

The head of state said this while speaking with journalists.

Zelensky noted that the Ukrainian military uses Starlink for strikes against Russian forces in the occupied territories. According to him, this concerns defensive actions, not attacks on Russian territory. The president noted that the Defense Forces use Starlink for various tasks. The system is primarily used for logistics, as well as for countering Russian drones.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine has developed an interceptor for jet-powered drones based on the long-range strike drone “Bars.” One of the European countries financed the purchase of 2,000 such vehicles, which have shown effectiveness in countering aerial threats.

However, Starlink’s operation was subsequently restricted. Zelensky said he does not know who exactly made this decision: SpaceX itself, its owner Elon Musk, or representatives of the American government. At the same time, he stressed that the technical ability to turn the system on and off lies with SpaceX, although Musk had previously stated that the Pentagon is in charge of managing this program.

“The exchange of American intelligence data has resumed. The restriction of Starshield, used for defense and countering ‘Shaheds,’ is technically imposed by SpaceX,” Zelensky said.

The president also reported that the satellite communication restrictions led to the deaths of civilians, since the interceptors could not operate effectively at high speeds.

Musk stated that Ukraine violated the terms of use of Starlink by employing the system for offensive drone strikes. This is how he explained the restriction of the service for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

At the same time, since last week Zelensky has been stating that satellite communications have already been fully restored.