Few technological systems have played such an important role in the war in Ukraine as Starlink, central to the communications, reconnaissance and drone operations of the Ukrainian armed forces. There are currently widespread concerns that Elon Musk‘s satellite internet service in Ukraine may be restricted or even switched off. In recent days, Kyiv has repeatedly reported disruptions and restrictions affecting its use.
How Starlink enables communications
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has made extensive use of the satellite internet service, which is operated by the US company SpaceX. With it, military personell can continue to communicate and exchange data, even when infrastructure has been destroyed or cellphone networks are down.
According to the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich, around 50,000 Starlink terminals were in use in Ukraine in 2025. These are the system’s specialised receiving and transmitting devices, which enable communications on the battlefield. They are also used to relay orders between command levels and receive drone footage.
The importance of the Starlink network can in part be explained by events at the beginning of the war. According to a CSS analysis, the KA-SAT satellite system previously favored by Ukraine was targeted in a cyberattack just hours before Russia’s invasion. Starlink quickly became a vital alternative.
Starlink and Starshield: civilian versus military use
When discussing current affairs, the terms “Starlink” and “Starshield” are often used interchangeably.
However, Starlink is SpaceX’s commercial satellite internet service, whereas Starshield is specifically designed for governmental and military use. While based on the same technological infrastructure, it is designed for security and defense applications.
This distinction matters, because the latest reports of restrictions seem to primarily concern systems used for military purposes. Elon Musk recently stated that Starshield systems are controlled by the US government, whereas Starlink is a commercial service operated by SpaceX.
The role of Starlink in drone warfare
Alongside communications, Starlink is mainly used for drone operations. The system provides an internet connection for ground, naval and aerial drones.
This connection means video footage can be transmitted almost in real time, while drones can be controlled over long distances. Ukraine uses these systems for reconnaissance and attacks deep behind enemy lines.
According to ETH Zurich, images and GPS coordinates of Russian positions are also transmitted via these communication channels. The data is sent to artillery units and used to coordinate operations.
What throttling Starlink would mean
According to Ukrainian media reports, on Tuesday night, SpaceX temporarily introduced a speed restriction for Starlink terminals in Ukraine, limiting terminals in motion to a speed of about 160 kilometers per hour (100 mph).
Such a restriction has direct consequences for fast-moving Ukrainian drones, some of which travel at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph). If the connection to the drone is lost, live video footage can no longer be transmitted, and the systems can no longer be controlled in real time. The drones effectively have to continue their mission while flying blind.
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Restricting or even shutting down a Starlink network would therefore not only make communication more difficult. It would also affect Ukrainian drone operations, and other military activities.
More than just satellite internet
However, Starlink and its military counterpart, Starshield, are only one essential component of Ukraine’s defense system. Ukraine also receives reconnaissance data from western partners, including information about Russian air attacks, missile launches, troop movements and anti-aircraft positions, as well as potential routes to avoid them.
This information helps with air defense and offensive operations. Without this intelligence, it would be significantly harder for Ukraine to carry out long-range drone operations against targets in Russian territory.
The two elements are particularly effective when combined. Reconnaissance data provides information about potential targets and routes, while Starlink ensures that this data can be quickly relayed to units.
This is why reports that the US is limiting access to its reconnaissance data are as worrying as the possibility that Starlink might be throttled. Other NATO countries, such as the United Kingdom and France, can also provide reconnaissance data, but not to the extent as the United States.
Strategic dependence
Europe has several alternatives to Starlink, including Eutelsat/OneWeb. However, their ability to match Starlink’s performance in wartime conditions has not yet been tested on a large scale.
The recurrent concern about possible restrictions makes clear that satellite communications have become a central component of Ukrainian defense. And while relying on a single provider simplifies operations, it also shows how dependent modern armed forces have become on private technology companies. Experts say this marks a fundamental change in warfare.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s successful use of Starlink has helped the system to achieve global recognition.
This article has been translated from German.
