Musk Blamed for Ukraine's 160 km/h Blind Spot

Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Friday that restrictions on Ukraine’s access to military satellite data are directly causing civilian deaths. Speaking from Istanbul, he criticized the decision to limit the tracking capabilities of the Starshield network.

Carney noted that Ukrainian forces cannot track incoming projectiles moving faster than 160 kilometres per hour. This speed cap prevents the military from effectively identifying and intercepting fast-moving Russian missiles and jet-powered drones.

The conflict over control of the network involves multiple parties. Reuters cited two U.S. officials who said the White House issued the order. The Wall Street Journal reported that Elon Musk ordered the cut personally. Musk argues that the U.S. government controls Starshield and that President Donald Trump holds final decision power.

Trump denied issuing the directive. On Friday, the U.S. president said he did not know who implemented the curbs and would not disclose the answer even if he did. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy maintains that the American government sent a message to limit tracking speeds, which SpaceX then executed technically.

Zelenskyy reported that the limitations have led to civilian fatalities, including children. He stated that the inability to track high-speed threats complicates the defense against Russian attacks. Carney agreed, describing recent losses in central Kyiv as direct results of the reduced ability to defend against strikes on non-military targets.

Disagreement persists regarding the current status of the service. Trump claimed on Thursday that Musk had restored access. Zelenskyy contradicted this in a CNN interview, stating the system still does not function properly. Ukrainian military officials confirmed on Friday that the restrictions remain active.

Carney used the situation to argue for diversifying Canada’s own defense partnerships. He warned that relying on an ally that might change its position leaves Canada vulnerable. He said the country is currently highly reliant on specific foreign systems and must build sovereign capabilities.

Ukraine is already moving to reduce its dependence on the U.S. network. On Thursday, Zelenskyy signed a letter of intent with Finnish firms Nokia and ICEYE. The agreement aims to develop a domestic Ukrainian satellite communications network.