Starlink Restrictions Hit Ukrainian Forces: Polish Foreign Minister Urges Musk to Stop Playing Politics
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has addressed SpaceX chief Elon Musk amid restrictions affecting Starlink services for Ukrainian troops.
In a post on X, the diplomat urged Musk to refrain from using his products to exert political pressure.
“Hey, Elon Musk, big man, are you playing politics with your products again? As your European customers, we are watching you,” the Polish foreign minister remarked sarcastically.
Poland allocates around $50 million a year to cover subscription fees for Starlink terminals used by Ukraine.
Starlink connectivity problems linked to data transmission speed restrictions were first reported on the Huliaipole front overnight on 14 October.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence said it had received no advance warning from SpaceX about the restrictions.
“Overnight on 14 October, SpaceX unilaterally restricted the operation of Starshield terminals (the ‘military package’) while in motion, without warning Ukraine’s Defence Forces. The limit is 160 km/h. When a platform exceeds the speed threshold, the terminal loses connectivity. Across different platforms and units, connectivity is lost at different speeds — from approximately 72 to 161 km/h,” the ministry stated.
It also stressed that the restrictions reduce capabilities for front-line logistics, reconnaissance and communications relay, complicating UAV missions, including those involving interceptor and middle-strike drones.
“The Ministry of Defence is currently in contact with the United States, SpaceX and NATO partners, collecting data from all units, and testing and implementing backup communication channels,” the ministry said.