Zelensky says Starshield restrictions threaten Ukraine’s energy defences ahead of winter

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on Sunday that restrictions on Ukraine's Starshield satellite communications system could jeopardize the country's defenses against Russian drones during the upcoming winter. Starshield is a communication system operated by SpaceX, which Elon Musk founded. Zelenskyy highlighted that as the enemy's drones fly faster than 161 kph (100 mph), they lose contact with their operators, rendering them unable to reach Russian drones.

He emphasized that the protection of Ukraine's energy infrastructure and lives this winter depends on lifting these restrictions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the President's Office have been directed to collaborate closely with the American side and SpaceX to resolve the issue. Earlier, Zelenskyy questioned whether the restrictions were due to technical reasons or a deliberate intervention by SpaceX, despite assurances from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Starshield was under more U.S. government control.

Meanwhile, Russian airstrikes targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure in the Odesa region, injuring six individuals and damaging gas pipelines and residential buildings. Additionally, Russian drones struck a facility operated by DTEK Odesa Electric Networks, leaving approximately 41,000 customers without power. In other developments, Ukrainian drone strikes damaged two electrical substations in Russia's Rostov region, resulting in one death and four injuries, while attacks on the Tatarstan region injured six people and disrupted heating and hot water supplies.

Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 533 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions over the past week.