Ukraine Blinded Above 160 km/h

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Friday that limiting Ukraine's access to military satellite systems is directly costing lives.

Speaking from Istanbul, Carney questioned the decision-making process behind the restrictions. He described the move as a choice made against a nation fighting for its citizens' survival against aggression. Carney admitted the situation raises concern for those involved.

Ukrainian officials reported early last week that they lost partial access to Starshield, the military-grade version of the Starlink network. SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, operates the system. Ukraine relies on Starshield to track incoming missiles and jet-powered drones. The network also guides interceptor and spy drones, while the commercial Starlink service manages internal communications.

The origin of the restriction order is currently disputed. Reuters cited two U.S. officials who said the command came from the White House. The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Musk ordered the cut personally. Musk maintains that Starshield is owned by the U.S. government and that President Donald Trump holds final authority over restrictions. Trump denied ordering the curbs on Friday, stating he did not know who was responsible.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the restrictions prevent tracking of targets moving faster than 160 kilometers per hour. This gap complicates defense efforts against Russian missile and drone attacks. Zelenskyy linked the loss of tracking capability to civilian deaths, including those of children.

Carney agreed with Zelenskyy's assessment. He noted that some recent deaths are direct casualties of the reduced tracking ability. He pointed to an attack in central Kyiv that occurred within the previous 36 hours. Carney called it a direct strike on citizens with no military target, resulting in immense human suffering.

Conflicting information exists regarding the status of the network. Trump said on Thursday that Musk had restored Ukraine's access. Zelenskyy contradicted this in a CNN interview, saying the system still does not work. Ukrainian military officials confirmed on Friday that the restrictions remain in place. Zelenskyy told NBC on Sunday that he believes the U.S. government sent the message to limit speed, and SpaceX executed it technically.

The restrictions coincide with low points in relations between Kyiv and Washington. Trump is pushing Ukraine to accept stronger concessions in a peace deal. He has also urged Ukraine to stop striking Russian oil refineries, though Starshield does not operate over Russian territory. Carney said relying on an ally that may change its view puts Canadians at risk. He said Canada must build sovereign capabilities, a process that will take time. Zelenskyy signed a letter of intent with Finnish firms Nokia and ICEYE on Thursday to develop a Ukrainian satellite network.