Starlink terminals operations restricted in Ukraine overnight, adviser to Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian forces reported restrictions on the military use of SpaceX Starlink satellite communications system on Wednesday, saying an overnight change disrupted several drone missions amid escalating tensions between Kyiv and Washington. The development has raised concerns that access to critical American satellite communications could become another source of leverage over Kyiv, alongside reported US threats to suspend intelligence sharing unless Ukraine halts its strikes on Russian oil refineries. There is, however, no independent evidence that the White House ordered the change, and the reason for the reported restrictions remain unclear. According to media reports, the Trump administration warned that intelligence cooperation could be curtailed, although Washington has denied suspending intelligence sharing, and Ukrainian officials maintain that cooperation continues. The comment came amid a sharp deterioration in relations between Washington and Kyiv, following Trump's agreement with Moscow to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports and his demands that Ukraine suspend attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. No connection has been established, however, between the reported Starlink restrictions and the diplomatic dispute.