Carney Blames Satellite Cuts For Ukrainian Deaths
The Canadian leader argues that limiting access to military satellite tech is directly causing civilian casualties on the front lines.
By Aiko Soto ·
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke in Istanbul on Friday to argue that recent limits on satellite access are costing lives in Ukraine. He identified the decision to restrict military grade satellite network usage as a direct cause of recent civilian deaths. The Prime Minister questioned the judgment of the officials behind the move while speaking to a gathered crowd.
Carney stated that he struggled to find the right word to describe the decision makers. He noted that the country in question is fighting for its citizens against what he called naked aggression. He confirmed that Canada is concerned about the situation. He emphasized that the move affects a nation actively defending itself.
Ukrainian officials reported early last week that they lost part of their access to Starshield. This is the military version of Starlink, a system owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX. Ukraine uses the network to track incoming missiles and drones. It also guides interceptor and spy drones. Starlink handles internal communications for the country.
The source of the restriction order remains disputed. Reports from Reuters cited two U.S. officials who said the order came from the White House. The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk ordered it personally. Musk has stated that the U.S. government controls Starshield. He said the U.S. military and President Donald Trump decide on restrictions. Trump denied ordering the cuts. He said on Friday that he does not know who made the decision.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine can no longer track drones and missiles traveling faster than 160 kilometers per hour. This gap has complicated efforts to stop Russian attacks. He linked these issues to civilian deaths, including children. Carney agreed with this assessment. He said the restrictions have real human consequences. He pointed to a recent attack in central Kyiv as proof of the impact.
Trump claimed on Thursday that Musk had restored access to the network. Zelenskyy contradicted this in an interview with CNN. He said the system still does not work. Ukrainian military officials confirmed on Friday that the restrictions remain in place. Zelenskyy told NBC that his government believes the U.S. sent a message to limit speed. He said SpaceX carried out the technical changes.
Carney also discussed the broader implications for Canada. He said relying on an ally that might change its view puts Canadians at risk. He called for partnerships to build sovereign capabilities in Canada or with other partners. He noted this process will take time because Canada is currently highly reliant on specific systems in certain countries. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy signed a letter of intent on Thursday. The agreement is with Finnish companies Nokia and ICEYE to develop a Ukrainian satellite network.
