EXCLUSIVE: Order to limit Starshield for Ukraine came from inside White House, sources say - Reuters

A decision was taken within the White House to restrict the use of the Starshield satellite system by Ukraine. The directive limits the capabilities that the system provides for battlefield communications and drone operations.

Starshield, a satellite‑based network, has been employed by Ukrainian forces to support real‑time communications and to coordinate unmanned aerial vehicles in combat zones. The system’s high‑throughput connectivity has been considered a critical component of Ukraine’s modernized military communications infrastructure.

Two U.S. officials and a Western official who were briefed on the matter confirmed that the order originated from senior White House officials. The officials indicated that the limitation was a deliberate policy choice made by the executive branch.

The restriction was reported on 15 October, highlighting a shift in the United States’ approach to the provision of advanced satellite services to Kyiv. The announcement did not include specific details on the scope or duration of the limitation.

The decision is expected to affect Ukraine’s ability to rely on the Starshield network for secure, high‑capacity communications and for the coordination of drone missions, though the exact operational impact remains to be assessed.