Zelensky Demands Answers on Starshield Restrictions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday, November 13, that Ukraine has not received clear explanations for new restrictions on the Starshield satellite system, which is critical for military communications and drone interception. The restrictions affect operations along the entire front line and over Russian-occupied territories, Zelensky said, ordering the foreign and defense ministries to intensify contacts with the U.S. State Department, Pentagon, and SpaceX to clarify the situation. He previously stated the system now only works for interceptors moving under 161 km/h, making it nearly impossible to shoot down Russian jet drones traveling up to 1000 km/h. Ukraine first reported Starshield problems in October, following a dispute between Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump over a U.S.-Russia diesel fuel deal. The Wall Street Journal reported SpaceX founder Elon Musk ordered the limits, but Musk said U.S. military officials and ultimately the president determine all restrictions, a claim Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied.