SpaceX caps Starlink speeds in Ukraine, disrupting drone missions
The gist
SpaceX imposed a 100mph speed limit on Starlink terminals in Ukraine, disrupting Ukrainian drone missions.
The restriction hit military communications, and Trump denies ordering it.
How it unfolded
- Oct 13, 2026Overnight, Starlink restricted speeds to 100mph (160km/h), so weapons travelling faster lost connectivity; Ukrainian officials said SpaceX restricted Starshield without warning, and the 7th Rapid Reaction Corps began noticing connectivity problems.
- Oct 14, 2026Ukraine said the restrictions disrupted military missions; presidential adviser Sergiy Beskrestnov said terminals in motion were speed-limited without warning. Service was partially restored, but speed limits of about 100mph remained, units had cancelled some missions, and Ukraine had yet to get answers from the U.S. government or SpaceX.
- Oct 15, 2026Reuters reported the order had come from inside the White House.