Starshield restrictions for Ukraine active in key drone interception zone
Photo: Starshield speeds restricted on Ukraine's frontline (Getty Images)
The speed of Starshield satellite communications, utilized by Ukrainian military personnel on the frontline, has been restricted across the entire line of defense. This is critically important for Ukraine's ability to defend itself, states Ukraine’s Chargé d'Affaires ad interim in the US, Denys Sienik, in a comment to Radio Svoboda journalist Alex Raufoglu.
Starshield speeds restricted
According to Sienik, the Starshield speed restrictions began to be gradually implemented just a few days ago. They are now fully in effect across Ukrainian territory and along the frontline.
Sienik stated that the restrictions apply to the line of contact - Ukraine's first line of defense and a crucial zone for intercepting Russian drones.
Kyiv's top diplomat in Washington stated that Starshield operations are being capped at speeds of up to 160 km/h.
"Once again, Ukraine’s ability to protect its skies is being undermined. Once again, the lives of Ukrainian civilians are being put at risk. Every disruption to these capabilities weakens Ukraine’s air defense and gives Russia more opportunities to strike our cities and kill innocent people" Sienik said.
In his view, Ukraine's ability to protect its people must not be compromised.
The US might have intentionally limited Starlink speeds over the frontline to pressure Ukraine during peace negotiations with Russia. This significantly complicates the Armed Forces of Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian jet-powered drones.
Furthermore, European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius warned that Starlink could lose Europe's trust due to a failure to fulfill contractual obligations.
According to him, this issue is not about the company's goodwill toward Ukraine, but about contracts that are paid for by European countries.
It has also become known that the agreement with the US government regarding Ukrainian military access to the Starshield satellite network is set to expire in 2027.
Because of this, Ukraine requires urgent negotiations with the US to extend this contract.
