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Zelenskyy flags 'disruptions' in Musk's Starshield despite Trump's claim

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Deliberate restrictions have capped SpaceX's Starshield network at 161 kmph, undermining Ukrainian frontline operations and drone interception capabilities. Although service had briefly stabilized above 400 kmph following prior American assurances, fresh throttles have forced Ukrainian officials to seek immediate clarity from Washington. Meanwhile, parallel diplomatic discussions in Abu Dhabi achieved progress on prisoner exchanges but stalled on essential territorial guarantees.

Key points

  • New technical limitations on satellite communications are actively degrading Ukraine's ab…: New technical limitations on satellite communications are actively degrading Ukraine's ability to counter Russian aerial strikes.
  • The recurring connectivity disruptions persist despite public assurances from U.S. and Uk…: The recurring connectivity disruptions persist despite public assurances from U.S. and Ukrainian officials that previous issues were resolved.
  • Trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi advanced prisoner swap arrangements but failed to re…: Trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi advanced prisoner swap arrangements but failed to resolve core disputes regarding territory and security guarantees.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has again raised concerns over disruptions to Starshield, the military-grade satellite communication service developed by Elon Musk's

SpaceX as part of its Starlink technology.

He warned that fresh speed restrictions are affecting Kyiv's ability to intercept Russian jet-powered drones and allowing more attacks to get through.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian military units had been facing significant disruptions to Starshield operations for several days across the entire frontline and in temporarily occupied territories.

Citing briefings from defence minister Yevhenii Khmara and Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi, he said the service was being subjected to systematic speed restrictions, limiting its operation to 161 kmph.

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian military investigations had established that the restrictions were not random technical errors but systematic measures. He warned that the speed cap was complicating efforts to intercept Russian jet-powered drones, with some attacks already getting through because Ukrainian interception systems could not reach the required speeds in time.

"Unfortunately, this is helping the Russians kill more Ukrainians and carry out more accurate strikes against Ukraine," Zelenskyy said, adding that Kyiv…

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