Ukraine's Starlink slowdown blocked drone interceptions, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that Starlink connection speeds in Ukraine are recovering after recent restrictions, but the slowdown prevented Ukrainian forces from intercepting some Russian jet-powered drones. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine uses Starlink to operate high-speed interceptor drones targeting Russian Shahed drones that strike civilians. He said the speed reduction meant Ukraine could not use this civilian protection tool, calling it "very painful and unpleasant." Zelenskyy denied Ukraine uses Starlink for strikes on Russian territory, noting Kyiv has requested such capability from SpaceX and the White House without success. Restrictions began October 14, affecting the military Starshield package, with reports linking the slowdown to US government pressure over Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries.