Zelensky reports Starshield speed limits hamper Ukrainian air defense

Ukrainian military units have experienced disruptions to the Starshield satellite communications network for several days, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The limitations affect the entire front line as well as Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine.

Zelensky posted on Telegram that systemic restrictions are capping the usage speed of Starshield at 161 kph, or 100 mph. Starshield serves as the military variant of SpaceX's Starlink service. The President noted that these limits prevent Ukrainian interceptors from reaching the velocity required to down Russian jet-powered drones.

"This helps Russians kill more Ukrainians and carry out more accurate strikes on Ukraine," Zelensky said. He indicated that Ukrainian officials are working with the United States to determine the cause of the new restrictions.

The current issues follow a similar event in mid-October. At that time, SpaceX temporarily limited the speed of Starlink and Starshield to approximately 160 kph. That restriction occurred during tensions between Kyiv and the Trump administration regarding Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. Service resumed on October 24.

The new disruptions were announced one day after two days of US-brokered peace talks concluded in Abu Dhabi. This was the first such meeting between Russia and Ukraine since February. A Ukrainian official stated that the satellite issues were not discussed during the negotiations and the source of the decision remains unclear.

Recent weeks have seen a series of Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries and energy sites. Moscow has responded with continued drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian electricity infrastructure and cities. Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting with US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff today to discuss ending the war.