Canadian PM: Starshield Access Cuts Are Killing Ukrainians

Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Friday that restricting Ukraine's access to military-grade satellite networks is directly costing lives. Speaking in Istanbul, the Canadian leader questioned the judgment of the decision-makers behind the move, emphasizing that the restrictions have human consequences.

Carney described the situation as one of concern, noting that Ukraine is fighting for the lives of its citizens against naked aggression. He said it is clear that the reduced ability to track incoming threats has resulted in direct casualties, including in a recent attack on central Kyiv within the previous 36 hours.

Ukrainian officials first reported the loss of access to Starshield, the military version of Starlink, early last week. This system is critical for tracking missiles and jet-powered drones as well as guiding interceptor and spy drones. The civilian version, Starlink, continues to handle internal communications.

Responsibility for the restriction remains disputed among U.S. officials and executives. Reuters reported that the order came from inside the White House, while The Wall Street Journal reported that Elon Musk ordered it personally. Musk has stated that Starshield is controlled by the U.S. government, but President Donald Trump has denied ordering the curbs, saying he does not know who is responsible.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that since the restrictions began, Ukraine has been unable to track drones and missiles traveling faster than 160 kilometers per hour. This gap has complicated efforts to repel Russian attacks, leading to civilian deaths, including children, according to Zelenskyy.

There is conflicting information regarding whether the restrictions have been lifted. Trump claimed on Thursday that access had been restored, but Zelenskyy contradicted this in a CNN interview, stating the system still does not work. Ukrainian military officials confirmed on Friday that the restrictions remain in place, with Zelenskyy suggesting the U.S. government sent a message to limit speed that SpaceX carried out.

The dispute comes at a low point in relations between Kyiv and Washington, as Trump pushes for stronger concessions in a peace deal and asks Ukraine to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries. Starshield is not used on those specific drones because it does not operate over Russian territory.

Carney warned that relying on an ally that may change its view puts Canadians at risk. He said this realization leads to decisions to diversify partnerships and build sovereign capabilities, a process that will take time because Canada is currently highly reliant on certain foreign systems.

Zelenskyy is already working to reduce Ukraine's dependence on the U.S. network. On Thursday, he signed a letter of intent with Finnish companies Nokia and ICEYE to develop a Ukrainian satellite communications network.