The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has stated that restrictions on the operation of the US Starshield satellite system along the front line and in the temporarily occupied territories are directly affecting the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defence. According to him, as it is impossible to intercept them in time, some Russian attack drones are reaching energy infrastructure facilities.
- Russian drones continue to attack Ukrainian power stations and other energy infrastructure.
- Restrictions on Starshield are making it more difficult for the Ukrainian military to intercept high-speed Russian drones.
- Ukraine is calling on the US to restore full satellite communications.
- SpaceX denies that it has introduced new restrictions on the system’s operation.
Restrictions on Starshield are affecting the protection of Ukraine’s energy sector
According to Zelensky, Russian troops continue to carry out targeted attacks on electrical substations in an attempt to disrupt the Ukrainian power grid.
The President emphasised that the restrictions imposed by Starshield are hindering the effective deployment of Ukrainian interceptor drones against «Shahed» rockets.
The problem persists despite repeated appeals by the Ukrainian side to its American partners. The military had previously reported that failure to carry out combat missions due to disruptions in the satellite system.
Ukraine is calling for the lifting of restrictions on satellite communications
On 12 November, during the European Political Community summit in Dublin, Zelenskyy announced that the speed limit for Starshield terminals had been reinstated at 161 km/h.
The Head of State has instructed the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to step up their contacts with the Pentagon, the US State Department and SpaceX.
Zelenskyy also emphasised the political dimension of the issue, noting that the imposition of certain restrictions in Ukraine’s occupied territories is unacceptable.
The US Congress is demanding an explanation from SpaceX
The situation regarding restrictions on satellite communications has caused concern amongst US lawmakers.
On 13 November, Democratic Party senators demanded that Elon Musk to ensure that all documents and internal correspondence relating to restrictions on the use of Starlink and Starshield in Ukraine are retained.
At the same time, SpaceX denies that it has introduced any new restrictions or made any changes to the operation of its satellite services.
