105 US lawmakers demand Ukraine's Starshield speed restrictions be reversed
A bipartisan group of 105 members of the Congressional Caucus for Ukraine has asked the Trump administration and SpaceX to explain and immediately reverse renewed restrictions on the Starshield military satellite communications system used by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian officials say the limits, which cap speeds at about 161 km/h, are affecting the front line and occupied territories, but say they have received no explanation from SpaceX or the Pentagon.
Key points
- 105 bipartisan members of the Congressional Caucus for Ukraine demanded a full report and immediate restoration of Ukraine's Starshield access.
- The restrictions cap Starshield speeds at roughly 161 km/h, or 100 mph, across government-controlled territory, the front line and occupied areas.
- Zelensky said Ukrainian troops had reported significant Starshield disruptions for several days.
- Ukraine has not received explanations from SpaceX or the Pentagon and is seeking to determine the reasons with the US side.
- Republican congressman Bacon called for a thorough congressional investigation to identify who is responsible.
- The renewed restrictions followed an October episode, when some units reportedly lost connectivity at 72 km/h.
- The European Commission called on SpaceX to restore stable Starshield access for Ukrainian troops as quickly as possible.
Why it matters
Starshield is the military version of Starlink satellite communications used by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian officials say the restrictions impair battlefield communications, including drone interception, and weaken air defence, potentially creating greater risks for Ukrainian cities. The congressional demand adds pressure for accountability involving both the Trump administration and SpaceX.
What happened
On 12 November, the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Ukraine, comprising 105 members, expressed grave concern about renewed Starshield speed restrictions in Ukraine. The lawmakers asked the Trump administration and SpaceX to provide a full account of how and why the restrictions occurred and to take immediate steps to restore full access. Ukrainian officials said the limits were introduced gradually and affected government-controlled territory, the front line and occupied areas, with speeds restricted to about 161 km/h. Zelensky said Ukrainian troops had observed significant disruptions for several days and that Ukraine was trying to establish the reasons with the American side. The Ukrainian side said it had received no explanations from SpaceX or the Pentagon.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage emphasizes the operational impact on military communications, drone interception and air defence, as well as the risk of further Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. Zelensky and Ukrainian officials are presented as seeking explanations from SpaceX, the Pentagon and the US government while stressing that they have limited information about the reasons for the restrictions. The congressional reaction is highlighted as bipartisan and as an expression of the US interest in Ukraine's ability to defend itself and Europe.
How international sources describe it
International coverage focuses on the congressional demands for a full account, the immediate restoration of access and a possible investigation into responsibility. It also contrasts Trump's claim that the earlier restrictions were lifted with Ukrainian reports that they continued, while treating US responsibility for the renewed restrictions as disputed. The European Commission called on SpaceX to restore stable Starshield access for Ukrainian military personnel as quickly as possible.
Where reporting differs
Sources disagree over who initiated the October restrictions: Reuters reported that the order came from the White House, The Telegraph reported that Elon Musk initiated it, and Donald Trump denied Washington's involvement. They also differ on whether the October limits were actually lifted on 23 October, as Trump claimed, or remained in force, as Ukrainian military personnel and Zelensky reported. Ukrainian officials cited by the Financial Times suggested the US may have deliberately restricted Starshield to pressure Kyiv during the 10–11 November talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi, while US officials denied that Trump or anyone in the administration requested changes to the system.
Background
The renewed restrictions followed an October episode in which SpaceX limited Starshield terminals at speeds above 160 km/h without warning, and some units lost connectivity at 72 km/h. Trump said on 23 October that Elon Musk had lifted the limits, but Ukrainian military personnel and Zelensky said they remained in force; Zelensky reported full-speed operation again on 24 October. Elon Musk has said Starshield is a separate system controlled by the US government, with usage decisions made by American authorities. The general inspector of the Pentagon declined to investigate the October restrictions at the request of a bipartisan group of nine lawmakers and advised contacting the US Air Force. The Senate also asked Musk to preserve documents for investigations that Democrats planned to begin in January 2027.