Zelensky says SpaceX, not US government, restricted Starshield in occupied territories

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that restrictions on Starshield satellite communications in temporarily occupied territories were imposed by SpaceX, not the US government, according to RBC-Ukraine. The speed limit of 161 km/h has been active for five days on occupied territories, while no restrictions exist on Ukrainian-controlled land. Zelensky called this politically dangerous, as it could imply the occupied areas are not recognized as Ukrainian, and announced Kyiv will push for their removal. Ukraine's Defense Ministry contacted SpaceX, which denied imposing restrictions and suggested a technical issue, but Kyiv rejects this explanation. The limits hinder interception of Russian Shahed drones near the front line, forcing Ukrainian forces to engage them at other positions.