Zelensky says Starshield restrictions disrupt Ukrainian troops’ communications

Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukrainian forces have faced systematic restrictions on Starshield satellite internet for several days, disrupting communications used by troops. He says the restrictions are not random errors and are making it harder to intercept Russian drones, potentially increasing the danger to Ukrainians.

Starshield is SpaceX’s military-grade satellite service. Zelensky said its systems stopped working above 100 miles per hour (161 kilometres per hour), while Russian jet-powered drones travel faster; he said Ukraine is seeking an explanation from the US. The reported problems come amid US-led peace discussions with Russia and Ukraine: recent talks produced an agreement on a large prisoner exchange but no visible breakthrough on ending the war.