Zelensky urges US and Musk to lift Starlink restrictions and be on 'right side of history'

Key Points:

• President Zelensky highlighted that the US satellite internet service Starshield is operating too slowly, hindering Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian missile and drone attacks, and urged for speed restrictions to be lifted to protect lives and energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
• Starshield, a military-grade Starlink system owned by Elon Musk and controlled by the US government, has faced speed limitations since October, causing operational difficulties for Ukraine's defense efforts, especially against fast Russian jet-powered drones.
• The speed restrictions have led to conflicting statements from Elon Musk and former US President Donald Trump, with Musk attributing control to the US government, while Trump denied responsibility and claimed he instructed Musk to restore full service.
• Recent Russian attacks targeted energy and railway infrastructure across multiple Ukrainian regions, causing casualties and damage, while Ukraine conducted retaliatory strikes on Russian petrochemical and oil facilities in Nizhnekamsk and Taganrog.
• Estonia announced it will close its border crossings with Russia starting December 1, following a suspected sabotage attack on a defense company, reflecting heightened regional security tensions.