In brief
Ukraine is pleased that the Dragon‑link satellite network, essential for drone guidance and battlefield communications, again supports speeds above 400 km/h after a temporary slowdown. The pause, reported last week, involved claims that then‑US President Donald Trump instructed SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to throttle the service. Musk later reversed the decision, but the incident highlighted tensions over tech aid to a war zone. Amid the controversy, Ukraine continued to face Russian strikes and diplomatic friction over diesel import deals and intelligence sharing.
Ukraine has announced that its link to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network is now stable after a brief period of reduced connectivity linked to U.S. policy.
The country’s defence ministry said that speeds exceeding 400 km/h are now possible on the system, indicating that full operational capability has returned. Starlink and its military‑grade counterpart, Starshield, are key for piloting drones, conducting operations and maintaining logistics and communications on the eastern front.
Last week Ukraine accused former President Donald Trump of pressuring SpaceX’s Elon Musk to impose speed limits on the network. Musk subsequently told journalists that the restriction had been lifted, though Trump earlier denied involvement.
Ukraine relies on the 10,000‑satellite constellation for field commands, especially in remote battle areas. While the civilian Starlink service is widely used, Starshield – programmed to be secure for military purposes – was reportedly subject to U.S. military oversight according to Musk.
Russia is not authorised to use Starlink, so any long‑range drones or missiles launched deep into Russian territory lose connection when passing beyond the satellite coverage zone.
The controversy erupted amid a wider diplomatic row between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, which some analysts say could raise global fuel prices. Trump had recently waived sanctions against Russia and agreed to import Russian diesel for the U.S. market – a move criticised by Kyiv and European partners.
Zelensky’s advisers suggested the United States threatened to pull intelligence sharing if the attacks ceased, a claim Trump denied. Meanwhile, fighting on the ground continues, with Russian‑controlled Crimea experiencing power cuts after a Ukrainian drone strike and casualties reported in Kharkiv.
