SpaceX Restores Starshield Access in Ukraine Following Connectivity Disruptions

SpaceX has reportedly lifted restrictions on Starshield, the military-grade version of its Starlink internet system, in Ukraine, as TechCrunch first reported. According to reporting from The Wall Street Journal, Ukrainian Defense Minister Evgeniy Khmara stated that the system appears to be functioning normally, though the military is continuing tests and has not received an explanation for the service interruptions.

For a 10-day period, Ukrainian drones experienced internet connectivity failures when reaching speeds of approximately 100 miles per hour. TechCrunch reports that these restrictions caused the military to lose control of some drones, while others became more vulnerable due to reduced flight speeds.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, claimed in a post on X that Ukraine had violated Starlink's terms of service by using the technology for offensive drone strikes. Musk further asserted that the Ukrainian front line would collapse immediately if Starlink were disabled, describing the statement as a fact rather than a threat.

TechCrunch reports that President Donald Trump called Musk on Wednesday to request the restoration of Starshield services. While some sources cited by The Wall Street Journal claimed Musk discussed the throttling of access with the Trump administration first, both Trump and Musk have been critical of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Musk recently posted that Zelensky "has gone too far."