Starlink speed cap disrupts Ukrainian drone and air-defense missions

SpaceX imposed new limits on some Starlink services in Ukraine, disrupting combat drone and air-defense missions that rely on the satellite network, Ukrainian officials said Oct. 14. Presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov said the military received no warning before the change and several operations were affected. He said SpaceX stopped military-grade service above 160 kilometers per hour, while a Ukrainian military unit reported connection drops of 10 to 20 seconds at speeds of 110 to 120 kph. A defense ministry source said the restrictions complicated logistics and drone operations. SpaceX did not immediately respond. Starlink has been central to Ukraine's battlefield communications and to guidance for long-range drones and supply-dropping aircraft since Russia's 2022 invasion.