The European Commission has called on the American company SpaceX to urgently resume full operation of the Starshield satellite communications system in Ukraine. The statement comes amid reports of new disruptions that, according to the Ukrainian side, are limiting the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s ability to repel Russian attacks.
European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier stressed that Brussels is deeply concerned by the reports of outages. “This is not the first time Ukraine has faced disruptions in the operation of Starshield. These reports are deeply concerning and, if confirmed, are unacceptable,” he said.
According to Regnier, SpaceX must ensure a consistent approach in providing its services to Ukraine. “Starshield services must be urgently restored so that the Ukrainian military can maintain communications, protect its citizens, and defend its territory,” the Commission spokesperson noted.
The European Commission’s call came on the same day that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported new systematic restrictions on Starshield along the front line and in occupied territories. In addition, a group of U.S. lawmakers (the bipartisan Ukraine Caucus) also demanded explanations from the U.S. administration and SpaceX, as well as the immediate restoration of access.
In parallel, the European Commission emphasizes the need to develop Europe’s own satellite capabilities (in particular the GOVSATCOM and IRIS² programs) and its openness to including Ukraine in these systems, since dependence on a single company creates strategic risks.
