Zelensky says satellite restrictions persist in Ukraine

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine’s use of SpaceX’s satellite system remains partly restricted, limiting military drone operations, Axios reports. This contradicts President Donald Trump’s Friday statement that the White House did not disrupt the system and that it was working without restrictions; Ukrainian officials say they are still unsure whether the limits stem from Washington or SpaceX. Fast Company reported that Starshield restrictions disrupted missions and affected drones, while some units said connectivity had returned to normal by Thursday. This follows earlier reports about a Starshield restriction and Ukraine’s reliance on the service.

Timeline

1. Fast Company

   16 Oct 2026, 17:30 UTCSource ↗

   Fast Company reports that Starshield restrictions disrupted Ukrainian missions and affected drones, while some units said connectivity had returned to normal by Thursday and the cause remained unclear.

2. Axios

   16 Oct 2026, 18:52 UTCSource ↗

   Axios reports that Trump denied US involvement and said the system was working without restrictions, while a Ukrainian official said contacts with SpaceX indicated the White House was involved.

3. Axios

   17 Oct 2026, 14:40 UTCSource ↗

   Axios reports that Zelensky said Ukraine’s satellite service remained partly restricted, limiting some drone operations, while Ukrainian officials said they were still trying to determine whether the limits came from the Trump administration or Musk.