Starlink restrictions now affect Ukraine's helicopters shooting down Russian drones
Ukraine shoots down Shahed drones using helicopters (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
US-imposed restrictions on Starlink operations in Ukraine are affecting not only the use of drones but also the military's ability to transmit information, according to Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov.
He noted that the speed restrictions on Starlink's "military package" for Ukraine had not been lifted. In particular, these restrictions prevent jet-powered interceptors from defending the country against jet-powered Shahed drones.
"We now know about a new problem. Our helicopters shoot down a significant number of conventional Shahed drones. Helicopters fly faster than 160 km/h. The Starshield speed limit has affected an important channel for transmitting information to combat helicopters," Flash added.
According to him, the sudden US decision is effectively undermining a significant part of Ukraine's defenses against enemy air attacks.
Starlink restrictions
Last week, it emerged that the US had imposed restrictions on Starlink's "military package" for Ukraine. Terminals lost their connection when drones exceeded speeds of 160 km/h.
Against this backdrop, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to the owner of SpaceX and called for all restrictions to be lifted, as people's lives depend on it.
Musk himself shifted all responsibility to the military and the US government, saying that only they could impose such restrictions.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump stated that he did not make the decision to impose restrictions on Starlink operations in Ukraine.
