Zelenskiy: Starshield speed limits again disrupt Ukraine's front-line defenses

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Thursday that Ukrainian military units recorded significant disruptions to Elon Musk's Starshield satellite communications service for several days, affecting the entire front line and Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. The systemic restrictions limit Starshield's speed to 161 kph, hampering Ukraine's defences. Zelenskiy said the speed limits prevent Ukrainian interceptors from downing Russian jet-powered drones, with some hits already occurring. He stated this helps Russians kill more Ukrainians and carry out more accurate strikes, adding Ukraine is trying to clarify the reasons with the US side. The Pentagon, White House, and SpaceX did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The disruptions follow similar speed caps imposed in mid-October amid tensions with the Trump administration over Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, with service restored on October 24. They come a day after US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi, where the issue was not mentioned. Ukraine's contract for Starshield access expires next year.