Starlink terminals operations restricted in Ukraine overnight, adviser to Zelenskyy says

Key Points:

• Ukrainian forces reported that SpaceX introduced overnight restrictions on the military use of Starlink's StarShield system, cutting connectivity when terminals exceed speeds of about 160 km/h, disrupting several drone missions without prior warning.
• The reason for the speed limit and whether it was influenced by the US government remains unclear, raising concerns that access to critical American satellite communications could become leverage over Kyiv amid strained US-Ukraine relations.
• The restrictions follow public criticism by Elon Musk of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and coincide with reports of US threats to suspend intelligence-sharing unless Ukraine halts attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, though official cooperation continues.
• Russia continued missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and surrounding areas despite a declared energy ceasefire, causing widespread power outages and damaging key infrastructure, with Zelenskyy accusing Moscow of blatant disregard for the ceasefire and the US.
• Zelenskyy appealed directly to US President Biden for tougher sanctions on Russia and additional air defense support, highlighting Ukraine's ongoing reliance on American military and intelligence aid amid growing diplomatic uncertainties.