Starlink restrictions hindered Ukraine's countermeasures against jet-powered drones, presidential adviser says

Loss of a key defence tool

Due to the introduced restrictions on the Starlink satellite service, Ukrainian defenders lost the ability to effectively use one of the means of countering Russian jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles. This was stated by Serhiy Beskrestnov, the President of Ukraine’s adviser on technological innovations in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, known by the callsign “Flash”, in an interview with the BBC.

Technical obstacles for interceptors

According to Beskrestnov, SpaceX technologies play a crucial role in the country’s defence system. He emphasised that Starlink is used not only for strikes on Russia’s deep rear but also for countering jet-powered drones. Ukrainian specialists are developing effective means of countering these targets, including jet-powered interceptors. However, due to the restrictions established by SpaceX, the satellite radio communication channel necessary for the operation of these systems has ceased to function.

"Це створює для нас проблему, оскільки ми не можемо захистити країну від реактивних "шахедів". Це справді величезна проблема для нас", – заявив Флеш. (This creates a problem for us, as we cannot defend the country from jet-powered "Shaheds". This is truly a huge problem for us), Flash stated.

Appeal to partners

The presidential adviser also drew attention to the fact that Starlink is significant not only for carrying out combat tasks but also for the everyday communication of military personnel with their families.

Beskrestnov called on Ukraine’s partners, in particular the company SpaceX, its founder Elon Musk, the Pentagon, and US President Donald Trump, to review the current restrictions. He explained that Ukraine uses this technology to defend the country.