160 kph: The speed threshold Ukraine can no longer track

Prime Minister Mark Carney asserted on Friday that limiting Ukraine's use of Elon Musk's military satellite network is directly costing lives. Speaking from Istanbul, the Canadian leader questioned the strategic judgment of those who implemented the curbs on access to Starshield.

Carney struggled to find the right adjective to describe the decision makers, noting they acted against a nation fighting for its citizens' survival against naked aggression. He confirmed that Canada is concerned, stating that the restrictions have real and human consequences.

The dispute over who ordered the restriction began early last week when Ukrainian officials reported losing part of their access to Starshield. This system is critical for tracking incoming missiles and jet-powered drones, as well as guiding interceptors. While Starlink handles internal communications, Starshield is the military-grade version run by SpaceX.

Responsibility for the move remains contested. Reuters reported last week that the order originated from the White House, while the Wall Street Journal claimed on Wednesday that Musk ordered it personally. Musk maintains that the U.S. government and President Donald Trump control Starshield, yet Trump has denied ordering the curbs. On Friday, Trump said he did not know who was responsible and would not reveal the answer even if he did.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the restrictions prevent his country from tracking drones and missiles traveling faster than 160 kilometres per hour. This gap has complicated defense efforts against Russian attacks, leading to civilian deaths, including children. Carney agreed, pointing to a recent strike in central Kyiv that hit citizens with no military target, calling it immense human suffering.

The status of the access remains unclear. Trump claimed on Thursday that Musk had restored Ukraine's access, but Zelenskyy contradicted this in a CNN interview, saying it still did not work. Ukrainian military officials confirmed on Friday that the restrictions were still in place. Zelenskyy added in an NBC interview that he believes the U.S. government sent a message to limit speed, which SpaceX then executed.

These tensions coincide with a low point in U.S. Ukrainian relations as Trump pushes for stronger concessions in a peace deal. Carney noted that relying on an ally that may change its view puts Canadians at risk, prompting a need to diversify and build sovereign capabilities. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy signed a letter of intent on Thursday with Finnish companies Nokia and ICEYE to develop an independent Ukrainian satellite network.