Ukraine Seeks Resolution of Starshield Restrictions Amid Russian Drone Threat
Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked his defence and foreign ministries to urgently engage with the US government and SpaceX over reported speed restrictions on Starshield services, saying the limits are affecting Ukraine’s ability to deploy interceptors against jet-powered Russian Shahed drones.
In a statement following a coordination meeting, Zelenskyy said the reported speed cap of 161 kmph (100 mph) remained in force along the frontline and in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. He said the restriction was preventing the effective use of interceptor systems against fast-moving drones. He added that Kyiv had yet to receive a clear explanation for the limits.
Zelenskyy directed officials to step up discussions with the US State Department, Pentagon and SpaceX to resolve the issue.
He also reviewed the aftermath of Russian strikes in the Sumy and Kyiv regions, including Shostka, Konotop, Bila Tserkva and Brovary. Expressing concern over delays in restoration work, he called for better coordination between government ministries and local administrations.
The president also discussed repairs to Kyiv’s Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, which he said was damaged in a Russian drone strike, and reviewed protection measures for energy infrastructure.
Separately, officials were directed to strengthen air defence arrangements around key agricultural facilities and reorganise mobile fire groups. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was preparing additional defence packages.
