American aerospace company Maxar Technologies has blocked Ukraine’s access to its satellite imagery services, reportedly at the request of the Trump administration.
The restriction follows a sharp diplomatic dispute between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, multiple sources in Ukraine’s military and intelligence sectors have confirmed.
Satellite Data Cut Amid U.S. Intelligence Freeze
Users of Maxar’s commercial satellite services in Ukraine reported losing access to critical battlefield imagery after receiving notifications citing an “administrative request.”
According to Ukrainian defence outlet Militarnyi, the restriction is a direct result of the U.S. government’s decision to halt intelligence-sharing with Kyiv, which was officially announced on 5 March.
Maxar has played a key role in providing Ukraine with high-resolution images used to track Russian troop movements, assess battlefield damage, and conduct precision strikes on strategic targets inside occupied territories and Russia. The firm’s data has also been widely used by international media to document the conflict.
The disruption affects both government agencies and private users in Ukraine. A Ukrainian cyber-intelligence group, Cyberboroshno, confirmed via its Telegram that it had lost access to Maxar’s services, although it did not specify which platforms were affected.
Fallout from the Trump-Zelensky Dispute
The move comes just days after a highly publicised Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelensky, which reportedly ended in acrimony. The Ukrainian president attempted to secure continued U.S. support, warning that Russian aggression posed a direct threat to Europe and the United States. However, the discussion quickly deteriorated, with Trump and his Vice President JD Vance accusing Zelensky of failing to show gratitude for past U.S. military aid.
The meeting’s fallout led to the cancellation of a joint press conference, and a proposed rare earth minerals deal, which Ukraine had hoped would keep Trump engaged in the conflict, was left unsigned. Days later, Washington ordered a pause in all intelligence sharing, and Maxar’s restriction appears to be a consequence of this broader policy shift.
Strategic Implications for Ukraine
The suspension of Maxar’s satellite data is a significant setback for Ukraine’s military operations. High-resolution satellite imagery has been crucial in planning long-range strikes on Russian infrastructure and identifying vulnerabilities along the front line.
Ukrainian sources believe the move could be temporary, as negotiations between Kyiv and Washington continue. Trump administration officials have indicated that intelligence-sharing could resume if progress is made on a U.S.-brokered peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
France Signals Alternative Support
Following the U.S. decision, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that France is prepared to provide Ukraine with intelligence support, including satellite data, to compensate for the loss of American resources.
While Maxar has yet to comment publicly on the issue, the restriction signals a wider shift in U.S. policy under Trump, with Washington seeking to reduce its direct involvement in Ukraine’s military efforts. The impact on Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities, and its broader implications for Western support, remain to be seen.
Image source: blog.maxar
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