EU demands urgent restoration of Starshield in Ukraine as US lawmakers seek answers

The calls came on November 12, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported significant restrictions affecting Starshield terminals along the front line and in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory.

"These reports are deeply concerning and, if confirmed, unacceptable," European Commission technology spokesperson Thomas Regnier said, according to The Guardian.

"SpaceX must have a consistent approach in sharing its services with Ukraine. Starshield services must be restored urgently for Ukraine to keep its soldiers connected, to protect its citizens, and to defend its territory."

Separately, members of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, which has 105 members, called for Ukraine's access to Starshield to be restored immediately and demanded a full explanation of the disruptions from the Trump administration and SpaceX, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Washington correspondent Alex Raufoglu reported.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also expressed concern, saying she intended to raise the issue with US officials.

"Everyone knows, including the Americans, that Ukraine and Europe simply cannot defend their citizens and Europe without these satellites," Frederiksen said.

Zelenskyy said earlier Thursday that Ukraine had experienced significant Starshield disruptions for several days, complicating its ability to intercept Russian jet-powered drones.

"These are not random errors but systematic speed restrictions," he said, adding that Ukraine was seeking an explanation from the American side.

The reported restrictions concern the speed at which satellite terminals can operate while moving, rather than internet data-transfer speeds. Such limits can interfere with the use of Starshield-equipped Ukrainian interceptor drones.

The Financial Times reported that some senior Ukrainian officials suspect the restrictions were deliberately imposed to increase pressure on Kyiv during peace negotiations with Russia. Those suspicions have not been independently established, and responsibility for the latest restrictions remains unclear.

The European Commission did not say it had independently verified the cause of the disruptions.