Zelensky says no 'clear' reason given for new Starshield curbs
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Ukraine President Zelensky said on Nov 12 that Ukraine’s military was facing “systematic” restrictions on the service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Zelensky said Ukraine still has no “clear explanations” for new Starshield curbs, which he said affect the whole front line and Russian-occupied areas.
- Ukraine relies on SpaceX’s network for frontline communication and drones, but the limits may stop it intercepting Russian jet-drones that can reach 1,000 km/h.
- Zelensky ordered talks with the US State Department, the Pentagon and SpaceX to resolve the issue; Ukraine first reported Starshield problems in October after a row with Donald Trump.
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KYIV – Ukraine is yet to receive an explanation for why access to the Starshield satellite communications network has been restricted, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov 13.
Kyiv relies on the network for its frontline communications and operating drones, including interceptors that shoot down incoming Russian drones.
Zelensky said on Nov 12 that Ukraine’s military was facing “systematic” restrictions on the service, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, with connections only working when devices were moving slower than 161kmh.
“We still have no clear explanations,” Zelensky said on Nov 13, confirming the restrictions were still in place “along the entire front line” and over territory occupied by Russia.
“I instructed Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense to step up contacts with the US Department of State, the Pentagon, and SpaceX to obtain clarification and resolve the situation,” he said on social media.
A source in the defence ministry said the speed limit did not apply in areas controlled by Ukraine.
Kyiv says the restrictions effectively make it impossible for them to intercept Russia’s jet-drones, which can travel at up to 1,000 km/h.
Ukraine first reported problems using Starshield in October following a row between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump over a US-Russia diesel deal, before access was eventually restored. AFP