Ukraine Says Starshield Restrictions Persist, Hampering Drone Defenses

Ukraine reports that restrictions on SpaceX's Starshield satellite communications remain widespread, hindering its military's ability to intercept Russian jet-powered attack drones near the front line and giving Moscow more opportunities to strike Ukrainian targets. Ukrainian diplomat Denys Sienik confirmed on November 14 that disruptions persist after five days of daily tests, forcing forces to shoot down drones only after they enter Ukrainian-controlled territory. SpaceX denies imposing restrictions, citing technical issues, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejects this explanation and alleges speed limits in occupied territories have political implications. The dispute follows a similar October episode and has drawn bipartisan US lawmaker scrutiny, with Democratic senators requesting records from SpaceX. Experts warn of Ukraine's dependence on a single private provider, as the issue emerges amid Trump administration negotiations to end the war, with European leaders cautioning against pressuring Kyiv into territorial concessions.