Starlink restrictions reduce Ukraine’s ability to shoot down jet-powered Shaheds

Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov has warned that restricting Starlink terminals from operating at high speeds is hurting not only frontline logistics but also Ukraine’s system for intercepting Russian jet-powered Shahed drones.

According to Beskrestnov, Starlink is used in the most effective solution for protecting Ukrainian skies from jet-powered Shaheds. The adviser wrote about this on his Telegram channel.

“Everyone is writing that the Starlink restrictions have affected long-range missions and frontline logistics, but there is another major problem. Starlink is used in the most effective solution (interceptor) for protecting our skies from jet-powered Shaheds. In effect, by their actions, our partners are depriving us of one of the few chances to defend the country against jet-powered Shaheds,” — Beskrestnov wrote.

The restrictions were introduced in stages. First, Ukrainian Armed Forces Starlink terminals began losing connection while in motion when speeds exceeded 160 km/h. The threshold was then lowered further — to 60–70 km/h.

Poland reacted to SpaceX’s actions. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski accused company owner Elon Musk of playing political games.

“Hey, Elon Musk, big guy, are you playing politics with your products again? We, your European customers, are watching you,” — Sikorski wrote on X.

Western experts had previously warned that the conflict between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump could lead to the United States halting the transfer of intelligence data and Starlink communications.