Ukraine presses SpaceX and Pentagon to lift Starshield speed limits for drones

Ukraine is negotiating with SpaceX, the Pentagon, and the US government to lift a speed restriction on the Starshield satellite communication system that affects Ukrainian drones, according to a presidential adviser on Friday. The restriction, imposed without warning on Thursday, disconnects terminals moving faster than 160 km/h, forcing Ukrainian drones to slow down and making them easier for Russian forces to destroy. Kyiv has not received explanations for the decision, which the adviser called a political matter. Ukraine is considering switching to a more expensive aviation package without the limit or seeking its removal within the current plan. President Zelensky called it a planned operation, while Elon Musk and President Trump deny involvement.