German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has publicly criticized the recent restrictions imposed on the operation of the Starlink satellite system in Ukraine. According to him, Berlin finances part of the equipment that provides battlefield communications and drone control, and that is precisely why Germany insists on the full restoration of its functionality. "And therefore, we naturally insist that it works if we are paying for it. Ukraine must continue to receive full support," the German minister stated during a public appearance.
Berlin's Financial Interest
Wadephul's key argument is based on the fact that Germany is a direct payer for the Starshield military satellite communication package used by Ukraine's Defense Forces. According to available data, the contract between Berlin and the system operator runs until April 2027. Thus, the unilaterally imposed restrictions affect not only the Ukrainian side but also the financial obligations of the German state. Wadephul emphasized that Kyiv is asking for the system's operation to be restored without artificial speed limits, and Germany supports this position.
Nature of the Imposed Restrictions
In recent days, the Ukrainian military has faced significant technical restrictions: in particular, drones controlled via Starlink satellite communications could not accelerate above 160 km/h. According to media reports, the order to restrict the operation of the satellite system, used by Ukraine for combat communications and drone management, came from the White House. The Ukrainian side, in turn, demands the complete lifting of the speed limit and the restoration of standard equipment operation.
Questions for Washington
Wadephul admitted that Germany "does not have the full picture" regarding the reasons why the restrictions were introduced. At the same time, he explicitly stated that Berlin has questions for the United States on this matter and they "will be clarified." The German minister's wording indicates that diplomatic dialogue between the two capitals on this issue is at an initial stage and will likely continue in the near future.
Current Situation and US Reaction
According to RBC-Ukraine, on October 15, the situation regarding Starshield restrictions in Ukraine improved somewhat, although restrictions still remain in certain modes. Simultaneously, domestic political reaction in the US is gaining momentum: Senator Thom Tillis urged the country's authorities to launch an investigation into the Pentagon's activities related to imposing restrictions on satellite communications used by the Ukrainian military. Thus, the Starlink issue goes beyond bilateral negotiations and takes on the character of an internal American discussion about the admissibility of unilateral technical restrictions on equipment supplied to allies.
