Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 1 hr ago
Zelensky says Starshield limits are disrupting Ukrainian forces again
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Starshield communications are malfunctioning for Ukrainian forces and have been disrupted for several days.
He says the satellite service is subject to a 161-kilometer-per-hour speed limit along the front line and in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian troops say the limit appears to be systematic, rather than a series of random technical errors.
Zelensky says the restrictions have made it harder to intercept Russian drones, and that some strikes have hit because Ukrainian interceptor systems could not move fast enough.
Ukrainian forces faced Starlink-related restrictions in October, which SpaceX later lifted after criticism, according to a separate account; Musk had accused Ukraine of using the service for offensive drone attacks.
Ukraine has contacted the United States to find out why the disruptions are happening; U.S. President Donald Trump said he did not order the restrictions, and the Pentagon declined to investigate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says new restrictions on Starshield satellite communications are disrupting military operations across Ukraine’s front line and Russian-occupied areas.
He says the restrictions have been in place for several days and limit speeds to 161 kilometers per hour.
Zelensky says the disruption is making it harder for Ukrainian forces to intercept Russian jet-powered drones and has allowed strikes to get through.
Ukraine has contacted the United States to establish the cause, according to the reports.
Ukraine’s military also experienced Starshield restrictions in October, which were later lifted by SpaceX after criticism, according to Handelsblatt.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported the disruptions; Ukrainian military units are affected.
- What
- Starshield is subject to speed restrictions of 161 kilometers per hour, disrupting communications and drone interceptions.
- When
- Zelensky said the disruptions had lasted several days as of November 12, 2026.
- Where
- Along the entire front line and in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine.
- Why
- The cause is not stated; Ukraine is trying to establish it with the United States.
Ukraine
Elon Musk
Starlink use
Ukraine
Ukraine’s military said using Starlink for offensive drone strikes is technically impossible because the service does not operate over Russia.
Elon Musk
Musk accused Ukraine of using Starlink for offensive drone strikes, which he said violated the service’s terms.
Ukrainian military units encountered restrictions on Starshield communications, according to Meduza.
SpaceX lifted the earlier restrictions after criticism from Ukraine’s supporters, according to Handelsblatt.
Zelensky said new Starshield disruptions had affected Ukrainian forces for several days.
Zelensky said Ukraine was trying to establish the circumstances with the American side.
- Speed restriction
- 161 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour)
- Affected area
- Entire front line and Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory
- Reported duration
- Several days as of November 12, 2026
- Affected capability
- Interception of Russian jet-powered drones
- Earlier restrictions
- Ukrainian military units encountered them in October 2026
6 sources
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What people are saying
Unfortunately, this is helping the Russians kill more Ukrainians and carry out more accurate strikes against Ukraine.
Unfortunately, there have already been hits because interceptor systems can’t reach sufficient speed and don’t have time to intercept.
Posts on X
Correct. Using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people has never been allowed, nor should it be. Starshield, a different system, is controlled by the US government. What they decide to do is up to them. Ukraine military violated