The Starlink satellite network has reportedly limited the use of its terminals in several contested zones, including theDonetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions. This restraint affects Ukraine’s ability to employ the system for drone operations that extend behind Russian lines, according to a report cited by a source connected to Ukrainian military intelligence.
In the article, the publication describes Starlink as applying geo restrictions not only to terminals situated in areas under occupation but also to terminals on moving platforms or over water. The report notes that when a receiving device is aboard a vehicle moving at speeds exceeding one hundred kilometers per hour, the service can be blocked or limited. This creates gaps in real time communications during fast-moving operations and pushes commanders to seek alternative arrangements when planning missions that depend on satellite connectivity.
The source emphasizes that the enforced limits compel the Ukrainian Armed Forces to evaluate more costly communication options to ensure reliable links for operational planning, command and control, and data sharing in challenging environments. The decision to switch or supplement with other networks adds layers of complexity and cost to ongoing military tasks, especially in regions where connectivity is critical for situational awareness and rapid response.
Starlink stands as a global satellite broadband service deployed by SpaceX, designed to deliver high-speed Internet access from space. It aims to support a wide range of users, including remote communities and teams in conflict zones, by providing resilient communications when terrestrial networks fail or are disrupted. The system has become a key element in sustaining communications in several theaters across Europe and beyond, reflecting SpaceX’s broader mission to close connectivity gaps worldwide.
Earlier in the year, SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk stated publicly that Starlink should not become a catalyst for escalation or a trigger for broader conflicts. He argued that the service remains essential for maintaining lines of communication in Ukraine and should not be used as a tool to aggravate tensions. Musk’s remarks underscored the tension between preserving reliable communications in war zones and the desire to avoid actions that could widen or prolong the conflict, a balance many international observers continue to monitor as events unfold. [Attribution: Economist citing Ukrainian military intelligence]