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Zelenskiy says Starshield speed limited again, hampering Ukraine's defences
Reuters • • nation
Key Points:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported significant disruptions to Elon Musk's Starshield military satellite communications service, affecting the entire front line and Russian-occupied areas in Ukraine for several days.
- The service speed has been limited to 161 kph (100 mph), preventing Ukrainian interceptors from effectively targeting Russian jet-powered drones, which has led to increased Russian strikes and casualties.
- Similar speed restrictions occurred in mid-October amid tensions between Ukraine and the Trump administration, with service briefly restored later that month; neither SpaceX nor the US government has clarified responsibility for the current curbs.
- The disruptions coincided with recent US-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, though the issue was not addressed during the discussions.
- Ukraine's contract for Starshield access with the US government is set to expire next year, and Kyiv is seeking to negotiate a renewal amid ongoing military needs and operational challenges.
