WASHINGTON, 15 Oct. - (ANA) - Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk has suggested that the US government could be behind the decision to restrict the speed of SpaceX’s satellite-technology used by Ukraine’s military.

 

In a post of X, he appeared to suggest the Trump administration was behind the move, which Ukraine says restricts its ability to use key defensive weapons.

 

 

Starlink satellite restrictions highlight Europe's dependency on US technology

 

 

As Ukraine reported problems with Starlink satellite internet terminals and US data that warns of Russian ballistic missile attacks, Kyiv also faced the harsh reality that its European allies cannot offer ⁠any ready-made alternatives, Reuters reported.

 

European countries have voiced strong support for Ukraine and Zelenskyy. But the problems with vital data highlighted that Ukraine and Europe depend heavily ‌on US systems for both low-orbit satellite communications – provided by SpaceX via Starlink – and space-based infrared sensing that feeds into early-warning systems.

 

A US satellite constellation called the Space-Based Infrared System provides early missile warnings.

 

As for Starlink, Europe does not have a ready-made alternative that Ukrainian soldiers could attach to their drones, although European governments and companies are working on long-term options.

 

Shares in European satellite operator Eutelsat soared on Wednesday following news of Ukraine’s difficulties with Starshield, fuelled by ‌investor bets that European providers could benefit from growing strains between Washington and Kyiv.  - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/15 October 2026 - - -