Zelensky says Starshield in Ukraine is again operating with restrictions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the operation of the military version of Starlink satellite communication — Starshield — for the Armed Forces of Ukraine has again been restricted.

According to him, systemic failures are being recorded along the entire front line.

Zelensky wrote about this in his Telegram channel, citing reports from Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi.

“Our units, unfortunately, have been recording significant failures in the operation of Starshield over the territory of Ukraine for several days: along the entire front line and in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. Namely, systemic speed restrictions on Starshield are in effect at the level of 161 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour),” the president wrote.

He emphasized that Ukrainian military personnel have checked the circumstances of what happened, and these are not random errors, but a systemic speed restriction. According to Zelensky, this significantly complicates the interception of Russian jet drones.

“Unfortunately, there have already been hits because the weapons systems do not develop sufficient speed and do not have time to intercept targets. Unfortunately, this helps Russians kill more Ukrainians and deliver more precise strikes on Ukraine. We are trying to clarify all circumstances with the American side,” the president wrote.

Earlier, Zelensky indicated that the communication restrictions for the Ukrainian army are linked to the actions of SpaceX head, American billionaire Elon Musk. At the same time, Musk himself pointed to a publication by the Ukrainian president, which mentioned the use of Starlink for medium-range drone strikes, which is prohibited by the rules. Musk explained the reasons for slowing down the internet for the Armed Forces of Ukraine with this.

Musk also reposted a message that providing Ukraine with access to Starlink at the beginning of the war was a mistake.