Why Starlink remains important for Ukraine’s battlefield communications and drones

A vital communications network

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, Ukraine has used Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, to keep military personnel connected when infrastructure is damaged or cellphone networks are down. The Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich estimated that about 50,000 terminals were in use in Ukraine in 2025.

The terminals allow battlefield units to communicate, share data and relay orders between command levels. They also help transmit footage from drones to military units. Starlink became an important alternative after the KA-SAT satellite system previously favored by Ukraine was hit by a cyberattack shortly before Russia’s invasion, according to a CSS analysis.

Starlink and Starshield differ

Starlink is SpaceX’s commercial satellite internet service. Starshield uses the same technological infrastructure but is designed for government and military security and defense applications. The distinction matters because recent reports of restrictions appear to focus mainly on systems used for military purposes. Elon Musk has said the US government controls Starshield systems, while SpaceX operates Starlink as a commercial service.

Drones depend on connectivity

Ukraine uses Starlink connections with ground, naval and aerial drones. The links can support long-distance control and near-real-time video transmission, while images and GPS coordinates of Russian positions can be sent to artillery units, according to ETH Zurich.

Ukrainian media reported that SpaceX temporarily limited the speed of moving Starlink terminals in Ukraine to about 160 kilometers per hour on Tuesday night. Some Ukrainian drones can travel at up to 300 kilometers per hour, so a lost connection could prevent live footage from being sent and real-time control from continuing.

In that situation, a drone would have to carry on its mission without live video or control. Restrictions or a shutdown could therefore affect both communications and Ukrainian drone operations.

Intelligence adds another layer

Starlink and Starshield are part of Ukraine’s defense system, not its only components. Ukraine also receives reconnaissance information from Western partners about Russian air attacks, missile launches, troop movements, anti-aircraft positions and possible routes to avoid them.

That intelligence supports air defense and offensive operations, including long-range drone missions against targets in Russian territory. Reconnaissance can identify targets and routes, while Starlink can help relay the information quickly to units. The article says concerns about possible limits on US reconnaissance data are comparable to worries about Starlink restrictions.