The White House reportedly issued an order to restrict the use of SpaceX's Starshield satellite system by Ukraine, according to multiple sources briefed on the matter. This military-grade communication service, crucial for Ukrainian drone operations and battlefield coordination, was slowed down following the directive. While officials confirmed the Defense Department received the message to curb Starshield usage, no clarity was given on the exact decision-maker within the administration. Ukrainian officials noted that the system’s receivers malfunctioned on rapidly moving platforms, affecting drone guidance, though some functionality was restored for speeds under 100 miles per hour.

This limitation came amid increasing pressure from former President Donald Trump, who urged Kyiv to halt attacks on Russian refineries. Trump linked these strikes to rising global energy costs that he claims damage Republican chances in the upcoming midterm elections. Experts, however, point to the conflict between the US and Iran as a primary factor driving energy price hikes, particularly due to disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz. A senior US official denied that Trump requested the Starshield restrictions, but the White House did not comment on whether other officials might have been involved.

Starshield, built by SpaceX for government and national security clients, runs on the Starlink network. Ukrainian military officials voiced concerns that the US-imposed limitations hindered strike capabilities against Russian forces and slowed defensive drone responses against incoming threats. Elon Musk emphasized that the US government controls Starshield and any operational limits are set by the military or the president. Despite requests, neither SpaceX nor US defense and diplomatic bodies commented on the situation.

Relations between Washington and Kyiv have worsened recently, particularly following a tense Miami meeting on October 9 involving US and international representatives. High-level US officials, including Jared Kushner, expressed frustration over Ukraine’s continued attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and justified a controversial diesel deal with Russia aimed at easing Moscow’s position in peace talks. The fallout has included sharp rhetoric between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and threats from the US to cut intelligence support to Ukraine. Ukrainian officials sought explanations from US authorities after the Starshield restrictions, learning it was a White House decision. The Pentagon remains a major investor in the Starshield program, which includes satellite assets for missile warning and reconnaissance missions.