A US decision to reduce services from the Starlink satellite company has severely affected an artillery unit in eastern Ukraine. Communication with headquarters was interrupted, and internet speeds decreased, creating risks in a combat environment where timely information on targets and threats is critical for survival. A soldier, known as Ukrlan, reported that the deterioration in services had an immediate negative impact on his unit’s operations near the front line in Donbas.
The White House ordered limits on SpaceX’s Starshield satellite system, which Ukraine uses for military communications and drone operations. This action has been criticized by Ukraine and its allies as beneficial to Russia in the ongoing conflict that started with Russia’s invasion nearly five years ago. President Zelenskiy mentioned that while Starlink services showed improvement, they were not fully restored and continued to endanger civilian lives.
Ukrlan’s unit was actively engaging Russian forces with howitzer fire from a camouflaged position while working in challenging conditions. Slower Starlink speeds hindered their ability to detect incoming threats. The US restrictions coincided with pressure from former President Trump on Kyiv to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries due to concerns over rising energy prices impacting the upcoming elections. Ukrlan expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the conflict, noting the situation has worsened daily.
With information from Reuters
