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Ukraine's Starlink access has been restricted without warning, severely disrupting "several" military missions, presidential adviser Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov said on Oct. 14.
"I confirm that (Starlink owner) SpaceX implemented speed restrictions on Starlink terminals while in motion last night. Currently, the restriction applies to the StarShield 'military service package' and limits speed to 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour)," he said in a post on social media.
Ukraine relies on Starlink to operate its mid-strike drones in Russian-occupied Ukraine.
This mid-strike campaign has this year allowed Ukraine to strangle Russian logistics, hampering its ability to fight on the front lines.
"Obviously, this action cannot be a coincidence and is associated with the current political situation," Beskrestnov added.
As reported by the Kyiv Independent on Oct. 12, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Ukraine with the withholding of intelligence and other assistance in a bid to protect Russian oil refineries.
Beskrestnov did not provide evidence that the Starlink restriction was connected to U.S. pressure on Ukraine, and the White House has not commented on the issue.
Serhii Sternenko, an activist and former advisor to ex-Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, also reported the restriction of access, saying "SpaceX likely took these measures at the request of the Trump administration."
The threats came after a confusing 48 hours during which U.S. President Donald Trump announced a controversial "deal" with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel, followed by repeated demands that Ukraine replace Volodymyr Zelensky as president, followed by Trump announcing a unilateral "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, which blindsided both Moscow and Kyiv.
Ukraine has since refrained from attacking Russian oil refineries but Russia has continued its blitz on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, most recently overnight on Oct. 14 when "several" power plants in Kyiv were hit. Trump has refused to accuse Russia of breaking the ceasefire.