Ukraine Starlink speed restrictions in effect again, Zelenskyy says

KYIV – Limitations affecting Starshield, the military version of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system, appear to be back in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday. “Unfortunately, our units have been recording significant disruptions to Starshield’s operations over the territory of Ukraine for several days now – along the entire front line and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said in a statement . About a month ago, Ukraine reported a drop in connectivity for objects traveling faster than 161 km/h, which prevented its defensive systems, especially its interceptors, from working properly.

The restriction was lifted on Oct. 24 . In his statement, Zelenskyy said the disruptions were not due to a malfunction, but once again to a systematic speed restriction.

“For us, this primarily means a significant complication in intercepting Russian jet-powered drones,” Zelenskyy said. The latest restrictions have already allowed several Russian drones to get through Ukrainian air defense and kill more Ukrainians, he added.