SpaceX has imposed speed restrictions on some Starlink terminals used in Ukraine, disrupting military operations as Russia continues its bombardment of the country. The limit, introduced overnight, prevents the military-grade version from operating above 100mph (160km/h), according to Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov.
The restriction applies to the "military package" of StarShield services, with Ukrainian forces reportedly receiving no advance warning of the change. Beskrestnov, an adviser to the President of Ukraine on the development of defence technology, confirmed the move and said it led to the disruption of a number of missions.
Adviser confirms speed limit
Beskrestnov said: "I confirm that tonight SpaceX imposed a speed limit on Starlink terminals while in motion. At present, the restriction applies to the 'military package' of StarShield services and is set at a speed of 100 miles per hour. Our defense forces were not warned about such a restriction, and this led to the disruption of a number of missions."
He added: "Obviously, this action cannot be a coincidence and is connected with the current political situation." Reuters separately reported that the restrictions had affected combat missions.
Impact on frontline operations
A source in Ukraine's 7th Rapid Reaction Corps, deployed on the country's southeastern frontline, confirmed to the news agency that there had been disruptions to Starlink operations. In comments to Reuters, Beskrestnov said: "Our defence forces did not receive a warning about this limitation, and this led to the disruption of several missions."
Ukrainian National News (UNN) also reported that former adviser to the Minister of Defence Serhii Sternenko had earlier said the operation of Starlink terminals had been restricted overnight.
Russian attacks continue
The development comes as Ukraine faces another major wave of Russian attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia attacked the country with 39 ballistic missiles and more than 120 drones, with energy infrastructure among the targets. The overnight assault caused widespread damage, with strikes reported in Kyiv and other parts of the country. A residential building in Kyiv's Desnianskyi district was among the sites hit, and emergency crews were deployed as fires broke out.
On its official website, Starlink says Ukraine operates an authorisation system under which only approved terminals can operate in the country, with unverified accounts disabled until they meet national security and regulatory requirements. The website states that those restrictions are "managed solely by the Ukrainian government", while authorisation requirements apply to terminals operating in Ukraine regardless of their service plan. It adds that the Ukrainian government is responsible for deciding which terminals are authorised and verified, with Starlink implementing those decisions.
Starlink also addresses speed restrictions specifically on its website, stating: "In Ukraine, certain in-motion speed limit restrictions are implemented in coordination with the Ukrainian government. These measures support national security and public safety requirements." It adds: "If you receive a Starlink moving too fast alert, your usage exceeds the locally permitted speed limits currently in effect." The Express has contacted Starlink for comment.
