Starlink situation in Ukraine underlines risks of relying on US technology — Mark Carney
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (photo: Getty Images)
Manipulation of the Starlink satellite system during the war in Ukraine poses serious risks and highlights the dangers of relying on US technology, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said.
The Canadian premier commented on reports that SpaceX had restricted the speed of Starlink's military version, making it harder for Ukraine to fight Russian aggression.
"So are we concerned? Yes, we are concerned," Carney said during a visit to Istanbul, adding that such decisions are being made against a country fighting for its survival.
According to the Canadian prime minister, the incident demonstrates the need to diversify trade and technology relationships.
The Canadian government wants to avoid a situation in which a country's sovereignty depends on a decision made by a single supplier or another state.
Kyiv uses a specialized version of Starlink to support air defense and artillery targeting amid ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks.
Meanwhile, a group of Democrats in the US House of Representatives has called on the White House to investigate disruptions to SpaceX communications services.
At the same time, the European Union plans to approach Canada and the United Kingdom about increasing their support for Ukraine to help cover its budget shortfall.
Earlier reports said that US billionaire Elon Musk had ordered restrictions on the military version of Starlink in Ukraine, after which US President Donald Trump reportedly demanded that the restrictions be lifted.
Amid this, Canada is emphasizing the importance of providing independent assistance to Ukraine.
Carney stressed that his government supports direct dialogue with Ukrainian leaders, including discussions about the situation surrounding Starlink operations.
Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had called Musk to lift Starlink restrictions for Ukraine.
The US leader had demanded that the SpaceX founder remove restrictions on satellite communications for Ukrainian troops.
Later, reports emerged that Trump said Musk had lifted Starlink restrictions for Ukraine's Armed Forces, but he did not mention the phone call.
However, despite these statements, technical restrictions on communications systems at the front have still not been fully lifted.
