Starlink Has Limited Speeds for the Ukrainian Defense Forces: Which Operations Are Now at Risk? – An Analysis by Channel 24

Starlink has become one of the Ukrainian Defense Forces’ key tools, but now even a drone’s speed can determine whether it remains connected. Limitations of the satellite system, which became known on October 14, 2026, have already affected the operations of certain units and forced the cancellation of some combat missions.

These disruptions could complicate strikes against Russian logistics and deep-rear targets, and could also significantly weaken Ukraine’s air defense, particularly in countering "Shahed drones."

If Starlink cannot be fully utilized, Ukraine will have to seek other solutions, which may prove to be significantly more expensive and technically complex.

At the same time, the situation has intensified the debate over Europe’s technological independence (while Russia is developing its own equivalents). The available alternatives are not yet capable of fully replacing Starlink, and the transition to other systems will require time, funding, and the adaptation of equipment to the military’s needs.

Channel 24 has analyzed what is known about the new restrictions, how they might affect the use of Ukrainian drones, and what alternatives Ukraine has. Read on for more details.

What Is Known About the Restrictions on Starlink Operations in Ukraine

On the night of October 14, 2026, Ukrainian military officials reported disruptions in Starlink service while drones were in flight. According to Serhiy “Flash” Beskrestnov, an advisor to the President of Ukraine and a radio engineering specialist, the changes affected the Starshield military package. He also reported that the military was not notified of the new conditions in advance.

I confirm that last night, SpaceX imposed a speed limit on Starlink terminals while in motion. Currently, the restriction applies to the “military package” of Starshield services and is set at 100 miles per hour. Our Defense Forces did not receive prior notice of this restriction, and this led to the disruption of a number of operations, 
he said.

The 7th Airborne Assault Corps also reported disruptions at speeds of 110–120 kilometers per hour: communication could drop out for 10–20 seconds. As a result, one of the unmanned systems units in the Huliaipole sector had to cancel some of its missions.

Sources at Channel 24 within the Ministry of Defense confirmed the detection of these limitations but noted that the exact speed threshold is still being verified. Therefore, it cannot yet be confirmed that the changes affect all terminals and types of drones equally.

How Starlink’s restrictions could affect combat operations

Starlink enables drones to be controlled from a considerable distance from the front lines and to attack targets deep behind Russian lines. In particular, drones help destroy transport vehicles that supply the Russian army with fuel and other resources.

In an interview with Channel 24, Pavlo Narozhny cited data on the scale of drone use to target Russian military equipment.

According to him, drones controlled via Starlink can reach Mariupol, the outskirts of Donetsk, the temporarily occupied Crimea, and Russian territory. Their speed can reach 100–150 kilometers per hour, so a loss of signal while in flight can make it difficult to control the drone and adjust its route.

The system’s performance is also affected by how the Ukrainian military obtains the terminals. Some are supplied by allies, while others are purchased by charitable organizations or the military itself. Narozhny specifically highlighted the terms of Starlink’s funding for Ukraine.

Therefore, the consequences will depend on which devices are affected by the changes, as well as on their technical specifications and agreements with the supplier.

Against the backdrop of these restrictions, Poland – which funds Starlink services for Ukraine – has also raised the issue of access to the system. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski reached out to Elon Musk over changes in satellite communications operations. This indicates that the stability of the system is important to Ukraine’s partners as well.

Why Ukraine May Lose an Important Weapon

If the ability to use long-range drones is reduced, some missions will have to be carried out by other means. This could significantly increase the cost of engaging targets at medium range.

Additional costs may also arise if we increase our use of aviation.

The military is also concerned about the potential impact of disruptions on interceptor drones used to counter Russian "Shahed"-type jet-powered strike drones. Since the control of such drones depends on stable satellite communication, a loss of that connection could complicate their operations.

Can Starlink Be Replaced by a European System?

One alternative is the European satellite system Eutelsat. However, its capabilities fall short of Starlink’s in terms of the number of satellites available for communication.

Another obstacle is the cost and design of the equipment. According to Narozhny’s estimate, a Starlink terminal costs about $500, while Eutelsat equipment costs approximately 25,000 euros. European devices are also larger and have a different type of antenna, which could complicate their installation on drones and military vehicles.

Therefore, fully replacing Starlink would require significant funding and technical adaptation of the equipment to the military’s needs.

Why Europe Needs to Develop Its Own Satellite Communications

The restrictions on Starlink raise questions about the technological dependence of Ukraine and its partners. If access to a critically important system can change without advance warning, this creates risks for the planning of military operations. The consequences of losing such communications can also be seen in the example of the Russian army.

Military expert and retired Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko explained to Channel 24 that the shutdown of Starlink affected the command of Russian units and their coordination with command.

“Remember how Starlink service was cut off for Russians. They began experiencing problems at the tactical and command levels. The occupiers were unable to adjust their routes via communication with command,” 
– Romanenko noted.

This example shows just how important satellite communications are for coordinating military operations. At the same time, the situation with restrictions on Ukraine highlights the need for alternative technologies.

Pavlo Narozhny believes that Europe needs to develop its own satellite communication technologies rather than relying solely on American systems.

In addition, European countries should take into account the possibility of changes in U.S. foreign policy priorities.

“We see that the United States may change its approach – particularly regarding support for Ukraine – for the sake of some short-term interests. We need to be prepared for this,” Narozhny emphasized.

Unfortunately, this is no longer just a supposition. In recent days, very alarming signals have been coming from Washington. According to the publication Semafor, Donald Trump is actively considering the possibility of deciding to completely halt the exchange of intelligence data with Ukraine. Therefore, the restrictions on Starlink’s operations – which the Armed Forces encountered on October 14, 2026 – may be just the first sign of things to come.