Zelensky Says Starshield Speed Restrictions Have Returned

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on November 12 that renewed speed restrictions on the Starshield satellite communications system were disrupting military operations across the front line and Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, making it harder to intercept Russian jet-powered drones.

Zelensky said Ukrainian units had experienced significant disruptions for several days, with the system restricted to equipment moving at no more than 161 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour). He said some Russian strikes had already got through because Ukrainian interception systems could not reach the drones in time. Those operational effects are based on his account and have not been independently verified in the reports.

Starshield is the military version of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service. Zelensky said the limits were systematic rather than random technical errors. He said Ukraine was seeking to establish the circumstances with the United States, but did not identify who imposed the renewed restriction or when it began.

The latest disruption follows a similar restriction reported in October. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said on October 24 that connectivity had been restored,...