Ukraine struggles with Starlink and US satellite data as missiles hit Kyiv

Struck two nights in a row by ballistic missiles before air sirens could sound. As Kyiv contends with wavering support from the U.S. in its war with Russia, it says Washington has failed to warn it of incoming strikes. And earlier this week, of hobbling its SpaceX Starshield military communication system. People will die, of course, if attacks will continue. And if Starlink will not work, of course, I mean, it's not helpful. On Thursday, a Ukrainian source said normal speeds had been restored after a wave of criticism directed at Washington and SpaceX boss Elon Musk. Musk earlier said that any limits on speed or usage of his company's Starshield systems were decided by the U.S. military and ultimately the U.S. president. The tech billionaire also called for Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky to go. The row has raised serious questions about Ukraine's over-reliance on U.S. intelligence and defense infrastructure. Starshield used by militaries and Starlink used by civilians have become vital strategic lifelines for Ukraine, allowing troops to stay connected and coordinate operations on the ground. They might have to think very carefully about the terms under which they acquire it, what is the potential control that the company or the United States has on the technology, and whether or not they need to develop some sort of indigenous capability themselves. Zelensky told the Financial Times on Thursday that Ukraine will no longer abide by the U.S. president's demands not to strike Russian oil refineries. It comes almost a week after Donald Trump struck a deal with Vladimir Putin to source diesel from Russia, pushing Zelensky to warn that Trump is drifting toward the wrong side of history.