Ukraine Loses Track of 160 km/h Attacks After Starshield Cuts

Prime Minister Mark Carney declared on Friday that recent civilian deaths in central Kyiv are the direct result of restricted access to Starshield, the military-grade version of Elon Musk’s satellite network. Speaking from Istanbul, Carney stated that the limitations have created "real consequences, human consequences" for Ukrainian citizens defending their homes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the restrictions prevent the country from tracking drones and missiles traveling faster than 160 kilometres per hour. This technical gap complicates efforts to intercept Russian jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy confirmed that the loss of tracking capability has led to civilian casualties, including children, during recent strikes.

The origin of the access cut remains disputed among Washington insiders. Reuters cited two U.S. officials who said the order came from inside the White House. The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Musk personally issued the directive. Musk maintains that the U.S. government controls Starshield and that commercial Starlink was not designed for military use. President Donald Trump denied ordering the curbs on Friday, stating he did not know who was responsible.

Carney pointed to an attack in central Kyiv within the previous 36 hours as evidence of the network's impact. He described the incident as a direct strike on citizens with no military target, resulting in "immense human suffering." He questioned the judgment of those who approved the restrictions against a nation fighting "naked aggression."

Conflicting reports emerged regarding the status of the network this week. Trump claimed on Thursday that Musk had restored Ukraine's access. Zelenskyy contradicted this in a CNN interview, stating the system "still doesn't work." Ukrainian military officials confirmed on Friday that the restrictions remain in place. Zelenskyy later told NBC Meet The Press that he believes the U.S. government sent a message to limit speed, which SpaceX implemented technically.

The dispute occurs while Trump presses Kyiv for stronger concessions in a peace deal and a pause on strikes against Russian oil refineries. Carney noted that relying on an ally that may change its view puts Canadians at risk. He said Canada is working to build sovereign capabilities to reduce its high reliance on specific foreign systems.

Zelenskyy is pursuing alternative infrastructure to reduce dependence on the U.S. network. On Thursday, he signed a letter of intent with Finnish companies Nokia and ICEYE to develop a dedicated Ukrainian satellite communications network.