Starshield still limited in Ukraine, SpaceX denies responsibility
Photo: Starlink satellite communication terminal (Getty Images)
Speed restrictions on the Starshield satellite communication system in Ukraine are now in their fifth day. As a result, Ukrainian forces are unable to intercept Russian Shahed drones near the front lines, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alex Raufoglu, who spoke with Denys Sienik, Ukraine's chargé d’affaires in the United States.
According to Sienik, the disruptions are widespread. The Ukrainian side checks Starshield daily in various directions and gets the same result.
Due to the restrictions, Ukrainian forces can intercept Russian jet drones only after they enter territory controlled by Ukraine.
"This gives Russians more leverage which they haven't had so far," the diplomat emphasizes.
Problems with Starshield in Ukraine first came to light on November 12. At that time, Zelenskyy reported that the Ukrainian military was detecting speed limits of up to 161 km/h along the front line and in the occupied territories. The following day, it became known that military missions were being disrupted as a result.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine requested an explanation from SpaceX and the Pentagon. Inspections by the Ministry and the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the restrictions in all temporarily occupied territories, while none were detected in areas under Ukrainian control. Zelenskyy believes that SpaceX, rather than the US government, imposed the restrictions.
