Ukraine’s reliance on SpaceX faces fresh scrutiny as disrupted drone operations push Kyiv to explore independent satellite communications with Nokia and ICEYE.

Trump Called Musk to ease restrictions on Ukraine’s military satellite communications, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing unnamed US officials. This call comes amid disturbances in the operations of Ukrainian drones and frontline communications, which has reignited fears about Ukraine’s reliance on the private management of their satellite network. Currently, the Ukrainian government is considering setting up their own sovereign satellite communications network in partnership with Finland-based Nokia and ICEYE.

Trump’s Call Raises Questions about Starlink Ukraine Access

The Wall Street Journal reports that the US President, Donald Trump, spoke to Elon Musk on Wednesday and asked him to reduce some restrictions placed on Ukraine’s military satellite communications services. However, even after Thursday’s improvements, Ukrainian officials were uncertain about their system’s full capacity.

The Ukraine Starlink restrictions reportedly involved a speed cap of approximately 160 kilometres per hour for terminals on fast-moving drones. The issue affected the ability of the military to conduct some of its activities such as interception of attack drones by Russia. Communication on the frontline was also limited.

Though Trump had initially rejected any link to the restrictions, Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, had claimed that the decision regarding access was solely up to Spac and Musk. Yet, Reuters had confirmed that the initial restrictions were ordered by people from inside the White House.

Why Is Starlink Restricted in Ukraine?

Starlink has been providing the Ukrainian army with military communications since Russia’s full invasion in February 2022 through its satellite constellation. However, military Starshield is operated and owned by the US government and it utilizes SpaceX technologies and infrastructure.

According to Musk, it is the US government and the president who decide on how fast the Starshield can be made available to Ukraine and how it will be used.

The reported restrictions made clear the dangers involved in relying on satellites under external control. The limited connectivity impaired the functioning of drones and battlefield coordination, raising doubts about the dependability of the commercial satellite network during military actions.

Subsequently, the Defence Ministry of Ukraine noted that the speed of connections reached more than 400 kilometers per hour. Nevertheless, the ministry did not confirm that all restrictions were removed.

Ukraine Explores an Independent Satellite Communications Network

On October 22, the military forces of Ukraine signed an intention letter with Nokia and satellite builder ICEYE to look into the development of a national satellite communications system controlled by Kyiv.

This proposed collaboration seeks to enhance secure military connections while minimizing reliance on Starlink and Starshield. According to ICEYE CEO Rafal Modrzewski, Ukraine needs secure and high-performing satellite communication systems that it controls, confirming the company’s continued support for Ukraine since 2022.

The effort is also reflective of broader European worries over depending on infrastructure that is in control of a single private company. Nonetheless, setting up an independent system will take a lot of effort, expertise and time, which means that SpaceX services will still be relevant in the short term.

The conflict shows how there is a broader strategic issue in terms of countries having reliable military communications; however, this may be affected by private companies that provide the infrastructure as well as the policy decisions made by other states.

Thus, Business Fortune believes that Ukraine’s push for sovereign satellite communications highlights the urgent need for reliable, independent military infrastructure.

Sources: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/beyond-starlink-how-ukraine-plans-to-cut-its-reliance-on-musks-satellite-network/articleshow/135168443.cms https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-has-years-asked-musk-alter-starlink-service-ukraine-middle-east-sources-say-2026-10-24/