EU demands Musk fully restore Starlink operations in Ukraine
Photo: SpaceX owner Elon Musk (Getty Images)
The European Commission has appealed to SpaceX to restore high-speed Starlink services to Ukraine in full. The operation of this specific satellite communication is of great importance for both the front line and civilians, states European Commission spokesperson for defense and space Tom Renier at a briefing in Brussels.
EU calls on Musk
The European Commission has urged SpaceX to urgently and fully restore Starlink satellite communication services for Ukraine. Its critical need for both military and civilian purposes was emphasized, Renier said.
He clarified that recent reports of Starlink having slowed its services in Ukraine were deeply concerning and did not reflect how the company had previously provided those services. He stressed that SpaceX had to urgently and fully restore services for Ukraine.
He added that Ukraine needs this communication for:
- Maintaining communication between military personnel;
- Protecting the civilian population;
- Operating drones used for the country's defense.
Starlink for Ukraine
Last week, the European Commission commented more cautiously on the disruptions in Starlink's operation in Ukraine. According to an EU official, there was no clear confirmation from the Ukrainian president at that time, unlike the current situation.
Ukraine needs to restore unlimited Starlink speeds, or at least raise the limit to 450 km/h, Radio Svoboda sources reported. The current limit of 160 km/h is insufficient to counter Russian jet-powered Shahed drones.
The service contract is valid until April 2027 and is funded by Germany.
Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick stated that an investigation should be conducted into the slowing of military Starlink services for Ukraine, noting that such actions by Elon Musk could constitute a violation of the law.
Furthermore, Pentagon head Pete Hegseth stated that Washington has not issued any orders to restrict Starlink operations for Ukraine.
