SpaceX Limits Starlink Speeds Amid Russian Strikes on Kyiv
SpaceX restricted Starlink terminal speeds for the Ukrainian military as Russia launched massive missile strikes on Kyiv's energy infrastructure and power grid.
Russian forces launched a massive assault on Kyiv and Kharkiv on October 14, 2026, using 39 ballistic missiles and over 120 drones. The strikes targeted residential buildings and energy facilities, including the CHP-4 thermal power plant, leaving approximately 600,000 people without electricity and killing at least three civilians. Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized the attacks as "ostentatious disrespect" toward the United States, noting that Russia targeted infrastructure covered by an energy ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump.
Simultaneously, Ukrainian officials reported that SpaceX implemented sudden speed limits on Starlink and Starshield terminals, restricting connectivity for devices moving faster than 100 mph. Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to the Ukrainian president, stated the restrictions were implemented overnight without notice, disrupting military drone attacks and logistics over Russian-occupied territory. Beskrestnov linked the move to the "current political situation," while other officials suggested the limits may have been requested by the Trump administration.
President Donald Trump denied halting intelligence sharing with Ukraine, despite reports that U.S. envoys warned Kyiv that such cooperation could end if strikes on Russian oil refineries continued. Zelenskyy claimed Ukraine received no early warnings regarding Russian missile launches for two consecutive days, calling the situation "absolutely unjust." In response to the escalating pressure, Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine may target Russian oil tankers transporting diesel to the United States unless a new deal is reached.
