OMM Newsroom
The European Commission on Wednesday urged “SpaceX” to urgently restore full “Starlink” services in Ukraine, describing reports of reduced service as “deeply concerning”, according to Anadolu Agency.
“The latest reports that Starlink slowed down its services in Ukraine are deeply concerning and inconsistent with the company’s previous sharing of these services,” spokesperson Thomas Regnier said during the midday briefing.
Regnier said Ukraine needed the service to keep soldiers connected, protect its citizens and operate the drones used to defend its territory.
The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of space capabilities for Europe’s security, Regnier said, adding that the bloc needed to strengthen its own capabilities.
Reports by several media outlets indicate that “SpaceX” introduced restrictions on some “Starlink” services in Ukraine on Oct. 14, disrupting military drone operations and communications.
Ukrainian officials said the restrictions affected drone missions, with connectivity reportedly interrupted when terminals exceeded speeds of 160 kilometers per hour (99 miles per hour).
