Ukraine, U.S. at Odds Over Starshield: Here’s What to Know About the Dispute

Ukraine reports service disruptions

Zelenskyy told NBC’s Meet the Press that he believes the U.S. government prompted SpaceX to limit Ukraine’s normal access to Starshield and Starlink. He said the system had not been fully restored, despite public statements from U.S. officials.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said the limits had hampered Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian weapons. He also told NPR that losing normal access had left frontline forces vulnerable.

A key network for Ukraine

Ukraine uses the network in its defense against Russia’s nearly five-year full-scale war. Zelenskyy said Starlink supports efforts to intercept aircraft, strike military targets in occupied areas and deliver supplies to soldiers using drones.

U.S. officials deny ordering limits

Musk said the U.S. government is responsible for Starshield and that decisions about limits rest with the U.S. military and ultimately the president. The reason for Ukraine’s restricted access remains unclear.

President Trump denied interfering, saying he had not ordered a change and believed the service was unchanged. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Zelenskyy’s claim false and said Ukraine had asked to use the system for strikes deep inside Russia.

Dispute prompts scrutiny

A bipartisan group of senators is asking the Defense Department’s inspector general to investigate how Starshield was disrupted. Zelenskyy said the consequences for Ukraine were painful and unpleasant.

The disagreement has renewed questions about Washington’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense. It comes amid growing tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy.