SpaceX has introduced a limit on some Starlink services in Ukraine, hampering the nation's ability to conduct strikes and to use interceptor drones to counter incoming long-range Russian drones, a Ukrainian defence ministry source and a military source said on Wednesday.
Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov on Wednesday informed that Starlink has stopped the operation of its military-grade version above 100 miles an hour (160 km/h) in Ukraine.
"Our defence forces did not receive a warning about this limitation, and this led to the disruption of several missions," he wrote on Telegram.
Associate Fellow in Russia and Eurasia Program at Chatham House, Marc De Vore, said while "it doesn't really affect Ukraine's ability to strike Russian territory" but it would hamper its defence.
De Vore said that any degradation in Starlink services could alter battlefield dynamics and potentially benefit Moscow.
He also highlighted any US military intelligence capabilities remain difficult for other allies to replace, after Zelenskyy said Western allies were sharing fewer warnings about strikes.
Ukrainian troops have reported that the Starlink connection is being shut off when travelling at higher speeds, causing major disruption to Ukrainian drone operations, many of which depend on satellite internet to pilot the craft.
Ukraine is in contact with the US, SpaceX and NATO to seek clarification over limitations imposed on its access to the Starlink satellite internet system, a source in the country's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.