Satellite Access: Carney links speed cap to Ukrainian casualties

The dispute over military satellite infrastructure has moved to the forefront of transatlantic defense discussions. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Friday that restrictions on Ukraine's access to Starshield are directly resulting in civilian deaths.

Speaking in Istanbul, Carney criticized the decision-making process behind the access curbs. He said he searched for the right adjective to describe those who restricted the network against a nation fighting naked aggression. He confirmed that Canada is concerned by the move.

Ukrainian officials reported earlier this week that they lost partial access to Starshield, the military version of the Starlink system owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX. Ukraine utilizes the network to track incoming missiles and jet-powered drones. The system also guides interceptor and spy drones, while the commercial Starlink network handles internal communications.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the restrictions have prevented Ukraine from tracking objects traveling faster than 160 kilometers per hour. He said this gap has complicated defense efforts against Russian attacks, leading to the deaths of civilians, including children. Carney agreed, noting that recent deaths in central Kyiv were direct casualties of the reduced tracking ability.

Responsibility for the restriction remains contested. Reuters cited two U.S. officials who said the order originated in the White House. The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk ordered the change personally. Musk maintains that the U.S. government controls Starshield and that commercial Starlink was not designed for military use. President Donald Trump denied ordering the curbs on Friday, stating he did not know who did.

The status of the network remains unclear. Trump said on Thursday that Musk had restored access, but Zelenskyy told CNN that the system still does not work. Ukrainian military officials confirmed on Friday that restrictions remain in place. Zelenskyy said on Sunday that he believes the U.S. government sent the message to limit speed, with SpaceX executing the technical changes.

The issue arises amid strained relations between Kyiv and Washington. Trump is pressing Ukraine for stronger concessions in a peace deal. Zelenskyy signed a letter of intent on Thursday with Finnish companies Nokia and ICEYE to develop a Ukrainian satellite communications network. Carney said Canada must diversify its partnerships to reduce reliance on foreign systems that may change their views.