Russian strikes leave 600,000 without power in Ukraine, as Starlink restrictions affect front line operations

A still from a video of a data centre on fire following a Ukrainian strike, in a BBC Verify branded border.
October 14, 2026

LATEST NEWS

Russian strikes leave 600,000 without power in Ukraine, as Starlink restrictions affect front line operations

A source in the Ukrainian defence ministry later told the BBC: “Last night, we detected restrictions affecting Starlink connectivity at speeds above 160 km/h, although we are still verifying the exact speed threshold.

“This situation is significantly complicating operations, particularly logistics, unmanned systems, middle-strike missions, and other activities,” the source said, adding the “root cause” of the issue was being investigated.

The Starlink system has become a vital tool to give troops in Ukraine internet access, allowing them to effectively control drones heading towards Russian targets.

In February, Musk’s decision to deny Russian forces access to Starlink blunted Moscow’s advance in Ukraine and caused confusion among Russian commanders.

Musk’s SpaceX has not commented on the reported speed restrictions.

Zelensky has said the US threatened to restrict intelligence sharing if he did not sign up to Trump’s energy ceasefire. Trump on Tuesday denied that Washington was withholding intelligence.

Ukraine’s air force said that overnight, Russia had launched 39 ballistic and cruise missiles and 128 drones, and that four of those missiles and 115 drones had been shot down.

It is the second night in a row Kyiv has been hit by Russian missiles, and comes as Zelensky prepares to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street on Wednesday to discuss accelerating air defence supplies to Kyiv.

During the past two nights, ballistic missiles have struck targets in the Ukrainian capital without any warning, before air raid sirens could be sounded.

Ukraine relies on US satellite systems to track Russian missiles in order to issue alerts and to try to shoot them down.

Share this post:

POLL

Who Will Vote For?

Other

Republican

Democrat

RECENT NEWS

A still from a video of a data centre on fire following a Ukrainian strike, in a BBC Verify branded border.

Turkey police raid opposition TV, halting live broadcasts

A still from a video of a data centre on fire following a Ukrainian strike, in a BBC Verify branded border.

Drones could fly deliveries from France to Alderney

A still from a video of a data centre on fire following a Ukrainian strike, in a BBC Verify branded border.

Potentially paralysed tourist stranded in Greece after balcony fall

Dynamic Country URL Go to Country Info Page