Ukraine Loses $1 Million in Drones After Starshield Disruption Halts Operations

Ukrainian forces lost over $1 million in drones last week after their connection to Starshield, a Pentagon-funded satellite internet service, was disrupted mid-mission, causing many aircraft to fall from the sky, a senior commander told The New York Times. The disruption forced Ukrainian units to halt nearly all operations for three days, including attacks on Russian command posts and fuel hubs. While conditions have improved, drones still lose connection at speeds above 100 mph, down from a previously unenforced 250 mph limit, affecting strike and air-defense missions. Ukraine suspects the restrictions may be punishment for attacks on Russian oil refineries or pressure to negotiate, though the Trump administration denies deliberate cuts. The incident has strained ties between Presidents Zelensky and Trump, with Ukrainian officials also reporting gaps in intelligence sharing and missile deliveries.