Zelensky: Starshield speed limits persist, hampering Ukraine's military operations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Friday that speed restrictions remain in place on the US Starshield satellite communication system, hindering the Ukrainian military's operational capabilities. He expects US defense and foreign affairs bodies to address the issue. The restrictions apply across the entire front line and temporarily occupied territories, according to Zelensky's nightly address. Ukraine's chargé d'affaires in the US, Denys Sienik, told Axios that the system disconnects when drones exceed 100 miles per hour, and no answers have yet been received from Washington or SpaceX. This limitation creates a serious operational problem for Ukrainian forces, affecting their ability to control faster unmanned aircraft, including interceptor drones used against Russian attack UAVs. Kyiv continues seeking clarifications from US officials and SpaceX.