# Ukraine learns to fight without Starlink as Musk plays politics with satellites

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/ukraine-learns-to-fight-without-starlink-as-musk-plays-politics-with-satellites/
- Published: 2026-10-23T11:30:22+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-23T13:15:43+00:00
- Original publisher: Ars Technica
- Original article: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/10/ukraine-learns-to-fight-without-starlink-as-musk-plays-politics-with-satellites/
- Topics: Celebrity, Entertainment, Europe, Space, Technology, World

## Key points

- Ukraine is adapting its military technology to depend less on Starlink.
- SpaceX restrictions have disrupted service for some Ukrainian military terminals.
- Western partners have helped fund tens of thousands of terminals.

## Summary

Ukraine has begun adapting its drones and military systems to rely less on Starlink, after disruptions highlighted how access to the satellite network can be affected by decisions made by SpaceX and Elon Musk. Starlink has supported civilian communications and military operations throughout Russia’s invasion, including drone control, so its instability raises concerns for Ukraine and its European partners.

The US, Poland and Germany have funded tens of thousands of terminals and subscriptions, while Ukraine has also had access to the military-grade Starshield service. SpaceX reportedly began throttling some military terminals on 13 October 2026 when they exceeded about 99 miles per hour (160 km/h); service has reportedly been unstable at lower speeds too. Ukrainian and Western firms had already been developing drones that reduce or remove their dependence on Starlink.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.