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Starlink’s military service in Ukraine remains subject to a speed restriction, the Associated Press reported, citing a senior European official familiar with the situation. That contradicts President Donald Trump’s October 22 claim that Starlink was operating without restrictions again; Ukrainian authorities have not received an explanation for the limit, according to the official.
Starlink’s military service in Ukraine remains subject to a speed restriction, the Associated Press reported on October 23, citing a senior European official familiar with the situation. The report conflicts with President Donald Trump’s October 22 statement that Starlink was again operating without restrictions, leaving the status of the satellite communications limit disputed.
The European official told the AP that the restriction remains in place and that Ukrainian authorities have not received an explanation of who ordered it or why. The report does not specify the restriction’s current operational scope or whether it has changed in any areas.
Ukraine’s military reported on October 14 that its Starshield terminals, the military version of SpaceX’s satellite communications service, lost connection when drones exceeded 160 kilometers per hour (99 miles per hour). The reported cutoff affected a system used to maintain communications, but the source material does not detail the number of terminals or missions affected.
Trump said on October 22 that Starlink in Ukraine was operating without restrictions again. The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, reported that Trump personally told SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to lift the limits. Those accounts do not resolve the AP report’s central point: a European official says the speed restriction is still active.
The Limits Affect Military Connectivity
The reported restriction matters because Ukraine’s military relies on satellite communications, including Starshield, while operating drones. If terminals disconnect when drones exceed the reported speed threshold, the limit could affect communications during some operations. The available information does not establish how often that happens or what practical effects it has had.
The conflicting accounts also leave Ukrainian authorities without a clear public explanation of the decision. Identifying who imposed the restriction and what rules govern it would help clarify whether the limits are technical, operational or policy-based. The AP report does not provide that explanation, and neither Trump’s statement nor the reported instruction to Musk confirms that the restriction was actually removed.
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How the Speed Limit Was Reported
On October 14, the Ukrainian military reported that Starshield terminals lost their connection when drones exceeded 160 kilometers per hour. The report concerned the military version of Starlink, rather than establishing that every Starlink service in Ukraine was subject to the same limit.
Trump later said he had not ordered the restriction. Musk said decisions about Starshield’s operation are made at the level of the Pentagon and the White House. Meanwhile, journalists at several outlets, citing their own sources, reported that Musk and Trump made the decision to restrict Starlink in Ukraine. These accounts describe competing claims about responsibility; the source material does not include an official public order or an explanation from the U.S. government or SpaceX.
“Ukrainian authorities still have not received an explanation of who ordered the restriction or why the decision was made.”
— Senior European official cited by the Associated Press
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Who Ordered the Restriction
The available reporting does not establish who ordered the speed restriction, why it was imposed or whether any part of it has been lifted. The AP’s source says it remains in force, while Trump has said Starlink is operating without restrictions. The material does not include a direct comment from SpaceX, the Pentagon or the White House confirming the current status.
It is also unclear how broadly the limit applies, whether the 160-kilometer-per-hour threshold remains unchanged, and how many terminals or drone operations have been affected. The reported threshold comes from the Ukrainian military’s October 14 account; no further technical details are provided.
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Clarification From SpaceX and Washington
The next development to watch for is a clear account from SpaceX or U.S. officials of whether the restriction remains active and who has authority over it. Ukrainian authorities may also provide updated information about the terminals’ operation or any changes since their October 14 report.
Until such clarification is available, the AP’s account and Trump’s statement remain in conflict. The current reporting establishes that a senior European official says the limit is still in place, but it does not provide a public decision, technical notice or timetable for a change.
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Key Questions
Are Starlink speed restrictions still in place in Ukraine?
According to a senior European official cited by the Associated Press, the restriction remains in place. Trump said on October 22 that Starlink was operating without restrictions, so the accounts conflict.
Which Starlink service is affected?
The restriction reported by Ukraine’s military concerns Starshield, SpaceX’s military version of Starlink. The available material does not establish that every Starlink service in Ukraine is affected in the same way.
What speed threshold did Ukraine report?
Ukraine’s military said on October 14 that the terminals lost connection when drones exceeded 160 kilometers per hour (99 miles per hour). The source material does not say whether that threshold has since changed.
Who ordered the restriction?
That remains unclear. The European official told the AP that Ukrainian authorities had not received an explanation. Trump said he had not ordered the limit, while Musk said Starshield decisions are made at the Pentagon and White House level.
Source: rss
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