SpaceX satellite system not fully operational in Ukraine yet, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that speed restrictions on SpaceX (SPCX)-owned Starlink and Starshield satellite networks remain in place despite earlier signs that the connectivity had been fully restored.

The Ukrainian military faced sudden speed restrictions on Starlink systems on Wednesday, prompting SpaceX (SPCX) CEO Elon Musk to suggest that the Trump administration was involved in the disruptions, a claim a senior U.S. official later denied.

While Kyiv confirmed that connectivity was restored by the next day, Zelensky says that speed restrictions at 161 kilometers per hour remain in place within Ukraine but not in neighboring countries of the European Union.

Citing a test conducted using vehicles equipped with Starlink devices, he said that the satellite systems, which continued to function in cars travelling at 180 kilometres per hour, disconnected once they crossed into Ukraine.

"The conclusion is that the restrictions apply inside Ukraine but do not apply in European Union countries. In other words, this is a planned operation," Zelensky said, adding that European partners are working on developing a possible alternative to Starlink.

SpaceX's (SPCX) satellite communications systems are vital for Ukraine's defensive capabilities, with Starlink-powered drones used to conduct reconnaissance missions and destroy Russian jet-powered drones.

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