Zelensky says Ukraine-specific Starlink speed cap has disabled interceptor drones
publishers 34articles 41first reported 9 Oct, 12:00 UTCdeveloping since 9 Oct · 22 editions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Starlink terminals operating in Ukraine disconnect when moving faster than about 161 km/h (100 mph), preventing some Ukrainian interceptor drones from pursuing Russian jet-powered Shahed loitering munitions.
Zelensky told journalists that Ukraine tested whether the restriction was a broader technical limitation by sending Starlink-equipped vehicles into European Union countries and operating them above 180 km/h. He said the connections remained active there, leading him to describe the Ukraine-only restriction as a “planned operation.” He also said Ukrainian military officials, the Defense Ministry and diplomats had sought answers, while SpaceX management had not engaged directly with Ukrainian military representatives.
Starlink remains important for Ukrainian military and civilian communications, including unmanned deliveries of food and water to isolated frontline positions, Zelensky said. Ukraine is seeking clarification from SpaceX and the Pentagon about restoring unrestricted service, including for the military-grade Starshield system.
Zelensky separately told NBC News that Ukrainian officials believed a message to limit Starlink’s speed had come from the U.S. government, although he said he did not know who issued it. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called that allegation “reckless” and said President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had denied that anyone in the administration ordered the restriction. Trump also said neither he nor SpaceX founder Elon Musk caused or slowed the service disruption.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 222 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 34
- Source articles
- 41
- Given to the writer
- 8, 3 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 222 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
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