Starlink connectivity problems linked to data transmission speed restrictions were first reported on the Huliaipole front overnight on 14 October.

The Ukrainian Air Assault Forces’ 7th Rapid Response Corps reported the issue on its Telegram channel on Wednesday, 14 October.

“The issue concerns the Starshield package — the so-called military package, which previously had no data transmission speed restrictions. These changes have directly affected the use of drones that rely on Starlink for in-flight control.

“According to our observations, UAVs could lose connectivity for 10–20 seconds while flying at speeds as low as 110–120 km/h. The aircraft continued moving, but these interruptions made them harder to control,” the corps said.

The paratroopers noted that reducing UAV flight speeds creates additional risks, as slower targets become more vulnerable to enemy fire.

“The problem is even more acute when launching high-speed drones. Some aircraft, particularly those in the Middle Strike category, need to reach relatively high speeds during launch. Under these conditions, unstable connectivity would make it impossible to launch such aircraft or use them as intended.

“The consequences are already being felt in practice. Since the start of the day alone, one unmanned systems unit operating within the 7th Air Assault Corps’ area of responsibility on the Huliaipole front has had to cancel some missions because of connectivity problems,” the corps added.

According to sources in Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence:

“Restrictions on Starlink (Starshield) operation at speeds above 160 km/h were detected overnight, although we are still verifying the speed threshold.

“This situation significantly complicates logistics, unmanned systems operations, Middle Strike missions and other activities. We are now establishing what caused it.”

Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, an adviser to the President of Ukraine on defence technologies, confirmed restrictions affecting Starlink terminals used by Ukraine’s Defence Forces.

The restrictions specifically concern the so-called military service package.

According to Beskrestnov, Starlink problems occur when unmanned systems reach speeds above 160 km/h.

“I confirm that overnight, SpaceX introduced a speed limit for the operation of Starlink terminals while in motion. The restriction currently applies to the Starshield ‘military package’ and is set at 100 miles per hour. Our Defence Forces received no advance warning of this restriction, and it disrupted a number of missions,” he wrote.

Beskrestnov also said that this could not be a coincidence and was most likely “linked to the current political situation”.