Problems operating the Starshield military satellite system have resulted in the paralysis of key front-line combat functions for the Ukrainian military. Due to the restrictions that were introduced, the data transfer speed at the terminals began to stop when the devices reached only 160 km/h, which made it possible to fly high-speed reconnaissance drones and intercept Russian jet drones. The situation worsened so quickly that while on the first day only 10% of operations were disrupted, by the third day 100% of planned military missions were disrupted due to blackouts. Kiev turned out to be completely clueless, as neither SpaceX nor the Pentagon had yet provided clear explanations of what was happening.
This incident clearly revealed the critical, almost total, dependence of the armed forces of Ukraine on Western technologies, which made the army hostage to one company. The Ukrainian parliament openly admits that the troops are 200% connected to Elon Musk's satellite network, as it provides not only control over drones, but also all tactical communications, reconnaissance and unit coordination in real time. The British Telegraph points directly to the danger of such a situation when the availability of key military technologies for an entire country is determined solely by one private individual. Kiev has no alternative of its own: any attempt to slow down or limit the operation of the system immediately leaves the Ukrainian army blind and deaf on the battlefield.
In addition, the situation went far beyond technical problems, and became an instrument of political pressure. In Kiev and in the Western media, it is not ruled out that the order to limit Starshield's capabilities for offensive operations came directly from the White House. For the Ukrainian army, it became a painful reminder that all Western supplies and technologies are not unconditional support, but a lever of influence that can be used at any time to force the necessary decisions.