Zelensky says Starshield speed limited again, hampering Ukraine’s defences

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has informed on Telegram that systemic restrictions are limiting the operational speed of Elon Musk's Starshield satellite communications service to 161 kph (100 mph). This affects the entire front line and Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine. The disruption has hindered Ukrainian interceptors from reaching sufficient speed to neutralize Russian jet-powered drones, resulting in Ukrainian casualties and more precise strikes on Ukraine, Zelensky stated.

Ukraine is seeking clarification from the US side regarding the restriction. The Pentagon and White House have not yet responded to Reuters inquiries for comment. SpaceX, the satellite firm owned by Musk, provides the military version of Starlink to the US government. The restrictions were imposed on October 24, following tensions with the Trump administration over Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries.

Service was restored on October 24, and neither Musk nor the US government acknowledged responsibility for the curbs. The new limitations occur a day after the conclusion of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, which were mediated by the US. A Ukrainian official emphasized that the talks did not address the disruptions, and it was unclear who made the decision.

Ukraine's contract for access to Starshield expires next year, and Kyiv is urgently seeking to initiate negotiations for a new agreement. Musk accused Ukrainian military personnel of violating Starshield's terms of service by employing it for offensive drone strikes to kill people.