Ukraine says it’s facing new restrictions to the Starshield network, as Trump envoys meet with Putin

Key Points:

• Ukraine’s military is facing significant disruptions to the Starshield satellite internet service, with imposed speed restrictions limiting its ability to intercept Russian drones effectively, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
• The Starshield system, a military version of SpaceX’s Starlink, has been slowed from its usual speed of over 250 mph to a limit of 100 mph, causing complications in Ukraine’s air defense operations.
• The restrictions have sparked controversy, with Elon Musk blaming former President Donald Trump for the limitations, while Trump denies involvement; Ukraine is seeking clarification from the U.S. government.
• The disruptions coincide with ongoing peace efforts, including talks in Moscow involving U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, aiming to advance humanitarian relief and prisoner exchanges despite no major breakthroughs.
• Fighting continues on the front lines with Russia targeting Ukrainian cities through missile and drone attacks, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage as winter approaches.