Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that renewed restrictions on Elon Musk’s Starshield satellite communications service are weakening Ukraine’s defenses against Russian drones, insisting the disruptions are “not random errors” but systematic limitations affecting frontline military operations.
Zelenskyy Warns Russian Drones Are Getting Through
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had experienced disruptions for several days, with Starshield restricting connectivity for equipment traveling faster than 161 kilometers per hour (100 mph).
Zelenskyy said the restrictions prevented Ukrainian interceptor drones from reaching speeds necessary to intercept Russian jet-powered Shahed drones, allowing some strikes to penetrate Ukrainian defenses.
“Unfortunately, this is helping the Russians kill more Ukrainians and carry out more accurate strikes against Ukraine,” he declared, adding that Kyiv was seeking explanations from Washington. “The Ukrainian military have already investigated the circumstances, and these are not random errors but systematic speed restrictions.”
In a separate address to European leaders in Dublin on Thursday, Zelenskyy said interceptor drones were especially important near the front line, where Ukrainian aircraft could not safely operate.
SpaceX denied changing Starshield’s service, telling Axios that Zelenskyy’s claims were false and that there had been “no change.” Ukraine, meanwhile, said it was seeking clarification from Washington and had yet to establish who was responsible for the restrictions.
Musk Previously Denied Controlling Starshield Restrictions
Ukraine previously reported similar restrictions in mid-October, disrupting military operations before Zelenskyy confirmed restored speeds on October 24.
Musk subsequently maintained that Space Exploration Technologies Corp.’s (NASDAQ:SPCX) Starshield, unlike commercial Starlink, operates under U.S. government control. He accused Ukraine of violating Starlink’s terms through offensive drone operations.
The dispute previously prompted Republican Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) to question Musk about Ukraine’s military connectivity.
SpaceX, the Pentagon and the White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.
Ukraine Seeks Answers Amid Renewed Peace Talks
Reuters reported last week that Ukraine’s Starshield agreement with Washington expires in 2027, prompting Kyiv to seek renewal negotiations.
The latest disruption followed U.S.-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi.
Ukrainian diplomat Denys Sienik told Reuters on Thursday that Kyiv had received no clarification from SpaceX or the Pentagon. Authorities have not established who imposed the restrictions. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy told NATO chief Mark Rutte Thursday that the disruptions were worsening Ukraine’s air-defense challenges. “Artificial restrictions do not serve peace – they serve the aggressor,” he said.
Price Action: SPCX shares were trading 1.44% higher at $141.96 in after-hours trading on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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