US restricts Starshield for Ukrainian forces on captured territories: Zelensky sees this as recognition

The United States has restricted the operation of the military version of Starlink communications — Starshield — for the Armed Forces of Ukraine on territory captured by Russia.

This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, signaling that he considers this a possible beginning of recognition of that territory as Russian.

“If someone in America is making decisions that essentially treat Ukrainian territory as if it does not belong to Ukraine, then that tells us where things are heading. We must be clear and never, in any way, recognize the Russian occupation of Ukrainian territory,” the Ukrainian president said.

At the same time, Zelensky stressed that Kyiv is trying to obtain information from the United States, “but so far we know very little.”

Ukrainian troops on captured territories are striking both military targets and bridges, transport logistics, and infrastructure, including energy facilities, resulting in periodic blackouts there.

Earlier today, Zelensky reported that Starshield operations for the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Ukrainian territory had been restricted again. Previously, he had indicated that communication restrictions for the Ukrainian army were linked to the actions of SpaceX head, American billionaire Elon Musk.

Musk, for his part, pointed to a post by the Ukrainian president that mentioned the use of Starlink for medium-range drone strikes, which is prohibited by the rules. Musk cited this as the reason for slowing down internet for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.