White House Origin Claimed for Starshield Restriction in Ukraine
U.S. officials stated that the directive to restrict SpaceX's Starshield satellite service for the Ukrainian military came from the White House.
According to information provided by American and Western officials, the directive to restrict the Starshield satellite system used by Ukraine in frontline communications and drone operations was issued from directly inside the White House.
Directive Regarding Satellite Service
According to information shared by two American and one Western official, the order to limit the satellite system used by the Ukrainian military originated from the White House.
Leaders at the Department of Defense were instructed to slow down the Starshield service provided by SpaceX for Ukrainian military units.
Operational Impacts and Speed Limits
These developments have complicated Ukraine's offensive missions and defensive drone performances.
Ukrainian officials reported that military-grade Starlink receivers on fast-moving objects stopped working and that speeds were subsequently capped at 100 miles per hour.
Political Background and Debates
This move coincided with a period when U.S. President Donald Trump was pressing the Kyiv administration to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries.
A senior U.S. official denied the claim that President Trump had personally requested the restriction in question.
Tension Between Washington and Kyiv
Following a recent meeting held in Miami and a diesel supply agreement between the U.S. and Russia, tensions between the two capitals increased.
The ongoing disagreements led to public criticisms exchanged between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump.