Carney links Starshield access cuts to Ukrainian civilian casualties
The Canadian prime minister argues that restrictions on satellite technology have left Ukraine unable to track high-speed threats, complicating defense efforts.
By Pedro Barnes ·
Mark Carney stated on Friday that limiting Ukraine's access to Starshield, a military satellite network, is directly contributing to civilian deaths in the country. Speaking in Istanbul, the Canadian prime minister expressed concern over the decision to curtail the system, which Ukraine uses to track incoming missiles and guide interceptor drones.
Ukrainian officials reported losing partial access to the network early last week. Zelenskyy said the restrictions prevent Ukraine from tracking drones and missiles traveling faster than 160 kilometers per hour. He noted that this gap has made it harder to repel Russian attacks, resulting in civilian casualties, including children.
Carney described recent strikes in central Kyiv as direct hits on citizens with no military target. He said the reduced ability to track fast-moving objects has led to human consequences that are clearly visible on the ground.
The source of the restriction remains unclear. Reuters reported that two U.S. officials said the order came from the White House. The Wall Street Journal later reported that Elon Musk ordered the move personally. Musk has maintained that the U.S. government controls Starshield and that President Donald Trump makes final decisions on restrictions. Trump denied ordering the curbs and said on Friday that he did not know who was responsible.
Conflicting reports persist regarding whether access has been restored. Trump said on Thursday that Musk had returned access to Ukraine. Zelenskyy contradicted this in a CNN interview, stating the system still does not work. Ukrainian military officials confirmed on Friday that the restrictions remain active. Zelenskyy added in an NBC interview that he believes the U.S. government sent a message to limit speed, which SpaceX then implemented.
The dispute occurs while relations between Kyiv and Washington are strained by Trump's push for a peace deal with stronger concessions from Ukraine. Carney used the situation to argue for Canada to build its own sovereign capabilities. He said relying on an ally that might change its view places Canadians at risk. Carney noted that Canada is currently highly reliant on specific foreign systems.
Ukraine is already moving to reduce its dependence on the U.S. network. On Thursday, Zelenskyy signed a letter of intent with Finnish companies Nokia and ICEYE to develop a domestic satellite communications system.
