Ukraine's armed forces regain full use of Starlink military version Starshield

Ukraine's armed forces can once again make full use of "Starshield", the military version of the "Starlink" satellite internet system. A source in Ukraine's Ministry of Defence told the news agency "Ukrinform" on Thursday. The system is important for army communications in the war Russia has waged against Ukraine.

"At the moment, Starshield operations have been resumed and are continuing, as confirmed by reports from units," the source said.

Problems began on Wednesday morning

Ukrainian officials and military personnel began reporting disruptions with "Starshield" on Wednesday morning. According to the source, the Defence Ministry is currently in contact with partners to establish the causes and circumstances of the restrictions.

Background: strained US-Ukraine relations

The limits on the service became known during a crisis in relations between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Washington did not officially confirm that any restrictions had been imposed.

Elon Musk, head of "SpaceX", the operator of "Starlink", said for his part that the operation of the military version "Starshield" can only be restricted by the Pentagon, the US Department of Defense.

The source does not say what exactly caused the interruption or whether it was linked to any decision. Ukraine is continuing to seek answers together with its partners.