One night showed how dependent Kyiv is on Elon Musk's network

A single night of restrictions on Ukraine's military satellite communications, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, disrupted drone operations and highlighted Kyiv's critical dependence on the US-controlled Starshield system. The limitation, which affected terminals moving faster than 160 km/h, led to failed missions and was reportedly ordered by the White House. The Starshield service, distinct from the civilian Starlink network, is managed by the US government and provides encrypted, high-speed military communications essential for real-time drone targeting and air defense. While the service was restored within two days, Ukrainian officials warned the speed limit remains, and President Zelensky stated that people died due to the disruption, accusing Donald Trump of betrayal. European alternatives, such as the EU's IRIS network and Germany's SATCOMBw, are still in development and not expected to be operational until 2029-2030. The incident occurs amid deepening US-Ukraine tensions over energy strikes and a US-Russia diesel import deal, underscoring that Ukraine's defense capabilities hinge on Washington's political decisions.