Zelensky says Starshield disruptions are hindering Ukraine’s drone interceptions
Ukraine is seeking an explanation from the US after Zelensky reported satellite communications restrictions that he said were preventing interceptors from reaching Russian jet-powered drones.
By Marina Weber ·
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on November 12 that disruptions to the Starshield satellite communications service were hampering military operations across the front line and in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. Ukrainian units had recorded significant problems with the service over several days, he said, as the country continued to face Russian drone and missile attacks.
Writing on Telegram, Zelensky said systemic restrictions meant Starshield could be used only at speeds of up to 161 kph, or 100 mph. The service is the military version of Starlink, the satellite communications system operated by SpaceX. His account described restrictions affecting how fast equipment using the connection could travel.
Zelensky said the speed limit prevented Ukrainian interceptors from moving fast enough to bring down Russian jet-powered drones. Some strikes had already hit their targets, he added. He accused the restrictions of helping Russia kill Ukrainians and conduct more accurate attacks, and said Ukraine was seeking clarification from the US side about why the limits had been imposed.
The reported disruption follows a similar episode in October. Ukrainian officials said in the middle of that month that SpaceX had suddenly introduced speed caps on both Starlink and Starshield. Those limits disconnected drones and other equipment when they travelled faster than approximately 160 kph, or 100 mph.
The October restrictions came amid tensions with the Trump administration over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. Service was restored on October 24. Zelensky’s latest account indicates that Ukrainian forces are again encountering speed restrictions, although the reason for the new disruption remains unresolved.
His statement came one day after Russia and Ukraine concluded two days of US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi. The discussions were the first such meeting since February. A Ukrainian official said the communications disruptions had not been raised during the talks, and it remained unclear who had decided to impose the restrictions.
Ukraine has struck Russian refineries and other energy facilities repeatedly in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Moscow has continued launching drones and missiles against Ukrainian cities and electricity infrastructure. The communications problems reported by Zelensky come against that backdrop of attacks by both sides.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff on November 12 for discussions about ending the war. Ukraine’s effort to obtain an explanation for the Starshield restrictions is taking place alongside those diplomatic contacts.
