Beskrestnov: Ukrainian Forces Physically Cannot Use Starlink for Long and Medium-Range Strikes

Ukrainian presidential adviser on defense technology development Serhiy (Flash) Beskrestnov responded to billionaire Elon Musk's accusations that Ukrainians violated the terms of Starlink use. According to him, it is very strange that Musk does not have information about the restrictions on Starlink operations in Ukraine.

According to Beskrestnov, since the winter of 2026, the speed of all Starlink terminals on Ukrainian territory, including occupied territories, has been limited to 70-90 km/h, while Starlink does not operate on Russian territory. He also said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces physically cannot use commercial Starlink for long and medium-range strikes.

Musk had earlier stated that Ukraine violated the terms of Starlink use to carry out strikes with drones. According to the SpaceX founder, the use of Starlink's civilian system for drone attacks aimed at killing people has never been permitted, and Ukraine was using it precisely for such strikes.

Musk also said that Starshield is a separate system controlled by the US government, and that decisions on its use are made by the US authorities.