started · updated
White House reportedly limits Starshield satellite use in Ukraine
The White House has reportedly issued a directive to the U.S. Department of Defense to limit the operation of Starshield, a military satellite communication system used by Ukraine, according to Reuters.
Starshield, a SpaceX program designed for national security and military use, has been utilized by the Ukrainian military for drone navigation and battlefield connectivity. Reports indicate that the restrictions caused Ukrainian drones to lose connectivity at speeds exceeding 160 km/h, hindering their ability to intercept faster Russian drones.
While the specific individual within the White House who ordered the restriction remains unclear, a high-ranking U.S. official stated that the president did not personally make the request. Elon Musk has noted that Starshield is owned and operated by the U.S. military, meaning he does not control its operational limits.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Kyiv. President Donald Trump has reportedly pressured Ukraine to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries, citing the impact of such strikes on global oil prices. This development follows recent diplomatic friction regarding U.S.-Russia agreements on oil supplies.
Entities
Donald Trump · Elon Musk · SpaceX · Starshield · Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Elon Musk stated he does not control the operational limitations of Starshield. ct24.ceskatelevize.cz · www.novinky.cz
- [● 2 SOURCES] Donald Trump has pressured Kyiv to stop attacking Russian refineries to stabilize oil prices. ct24.ceskatelevize.cz · www.novinky.cz
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Starshield limitations restricted Ukrainian drone connectivity to speeds under 160 km/h. www.rmf24.pl
- [● 3 SOURCES] The U.S. Department of Defense received instructions to slow the operation of SpaceX's Starshield system. www.rmf24.pl · ct24.ceskatelevize.cz · www.novinky.cz
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A high-ranking U.S. official stated that the president did not personally request the limitations. www.rmf24.pl