The speed restrictions for Starlink terminals used by the Ukrainian military have not yet been fully lifted. Despite reports that satellite communications have resumed on certain missions, some units continue to face restrictions.
The President’s technology adviser Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov wrote on Telegram that he has not, at present, observed the restrictions being lifted.
“There are isolated cases when Starlink can move somewhat faster than the restriction, but this is probably the result of SpaceX’s algorithm, or special conditions of use, rather than the restriction being lifted,” Beskrestnov explained.
Volunteer Serhii Sternenko also reported an ambiguous situation with Starlink and Starshield. According to him, some units of Ukraine’s Defence Forces recorded systems resuming operation during flights at speeds exceeding the previously set limits.
At the same time, this does not apply to all missions: some were disrupted because, in certain cases, the restrictions continue to apply.
Context
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that Starlink service for the Ukrainian military had allegedly been fully restored.
As the BBC reported, the statement came after Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that restrictions remained in place for speeds above 160 km/h. They complicate the operation of Ukrainian strike drones and interceptor drones.
Trump neither confirmed nor denied US media reports that he personally contacted Elon Musk to ask for the restrictions on the Armed Forces of Ukraine to be lifted. Musk and the White House had previously denied any involvement in disruptions to satellite communications.