US senators propose Starlink deal for Ukraine: 100-day pause on strikes inside Russia
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Republican US senators have proposed that Ukraine halt strikes on Russian energy facilities for 100 days. In exchange, the United States would expand Starlink coverage for the Ukrainian military, The Wall Street Journal reports.
According to the media outlet, Senators Roger Wicker and Kevin Cramer made the proposal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two senators visited Kyiv last week alongside two members of the House of Representatives.
Under the US lawmakers' proposal, expanding Starlink coverage approximately 300 kilometers deeper into Russia would allow Ukraine to more effectively strike Russian missile and drone launch sites, which Russia regularly uses to attack Ukrainian cities.
WSJ sources said Zelenskyy had reportedly agreed to the proposal and was prepared to halt strikes on Russian energy facilities for 100 days.
Starlink restrictions in Ukraine
In recent days, Ukraine's Defense Forces have faced restrictions on Starlink service. In particular, Ukrainian troops were unable to use drones traveling at speeds above 160 km/h.
According to media reports, the order to restrict the satellite system—which Ukraine uses for battlefield communications and drone control—came from the White House.
Germany pays for Starshield connectivity for the Ukrainian military under a contract that runs through April 2027. Germany is demanding that the United States lift the Starlink restrictions in Ukraine.
According to RBC-Ukraine, the situation with restrictions on Starshield, the military version of Starlink, improved in Ukraine on October 15. However, restrictions remain in place.
Meanwhile, US Senator Thom Tillis has called on US authorities to investigate the Pentagon's actions after Ukraine was affected by the Starlink restrictions.
