Zelenskyy calls Starlink restrictions in Ukraine a planned operation
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine tested Starlink in EU countries and found differences in how the terminals operate. This suggests that connectivity restrictions in Ukraine may be part of a planned operation, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The head of state emphasized that Starlink is critically important to Ukraine. Both troops on the front lines and civilians use the satellite communications system.
In particular, Ukrainian troops use Starlink-equipped drones to deliver food and water to positions that ground vehicles cannot reach. However, the president noted that this capability is not yet available.
He also highlighted the use of terminals in interceptor drones designed to combat jet-powered Shahed drones and other high-speed unmanned aerial vehicles.
The president said speed restrictions prevent these drones from fully carrying out their missions. When a drone accelerates to 161 km/h, Starlink disconnects, causing operators to lose control.
Zelenskyy says restrictions are part of a planned operation
To determine whether the problems stem from technical malfunctions in SpaceX equipment or deliberate restrictions, Ukraine conducted tests in EU countries.
"We sent a couple of vehicles equipped with Starlink into EU countries, and they were traveling at 180 km/h, and Starlink was operable," the president explained.
Zelenskyy said the test results point to differences in how Starlink operates in Ukraine and abroad.
"The conclusion is that the restrictions are in effect on Ukrainian territory, meaning this is a planned operation," he added.
Ukraine seeks answers from SpaceX
The president said Ukraine is holding talks at various levels, involving the military, the Ministry of Defense, and diplomats. Ukraine is also trying to contact SpaceX directly.
However, Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian military and Defense Ministry representatives have not yet received a response.
"At various levels, people say these are technical problems, but, as I said, these problems exist in Ukraine, while there are no such problems in the EU. We have verified this," he stressed.
The president concluded that these restrictions currently prevent Ukraine from using Starlink or Starshield to shoot down jet-powered Shahed drones over Ukrainian territory.
What happened before
As previously reported, restrictions on the military version of Starlink's satellite communications system, Starshield, were reported on October 14. Terminals on Ukrainian drones began losing connectivity at speeds exceeding 160 km/h.
On the same day, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense began talks with the United States, SpaceX, and NATO partners.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk said that speed limits for Starshield are determined by the US military and that the final decision rests with the US president.
The White House, however, denied that Donald Trump's administration imposed the restrictions. Trump himself also said he was not involved.
However, according to The Telegraph, Elon Musk personally proposed to Donald Trump that Ukraine impose speed limits on the military version of Starlink it uses.
Four sources cited by the outlet said the US president agreed to the proposal and gave the Pentagon the green light. A European official and two Ukrainian sources also confirmed this account.
