Ukraine's Starshield contract with US expires next year, diplomat says

Ukraine's contract with the US government for Starshield satellite network access expires next year, and Kyiv is urgently seeking negotiations for a new agreement, a senior Ukrainian diplomat said Thursday. The diplomat, Denys Sienik, said Ukraine wants clarity on terms and timing, noting the contract expires mid-2026. The urgency follows last month's sudden speed limitations on Starshield that hampered Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian drones and forced some operations to be cancelled. Sienik said neither Washington nor SpaceX provided explanations for the restrictions. The incident adds to recent strains in US-Ukraine relations, including intelligence gaps and delays in missile system resupplies, while President Zelenskiy has criticized Elon Musk's views on the war despite thanking SpaceX for connectivity.