Ukraine Blames US for Starlink Speed Caps That Hamper Drone Defense

Key points

• Zelenskyy confirmed that Starlink and Starshield systems shut off at 161 km/h in Ukraine, whereas they operate at 180+ km/h in the EU.
• The restrictions prevent Ukraine from using satellite-linked interceptor drones to shoot down Russian Shahed drones, forcing reliance on aircraft and other air defense.
• Ukrainian officials claim SpaceX unilaterally imposed the limits, while SpaceX says the US government controls Starshield usage.
• President Trump denied involvement, stating he did not limit access and did not believe Elon Musk was responsible.
• Zelenskyy noted that Russia launched a large attack on over 15 energy facilities on Saturday, exploiting the defensive gap.

Background

This dispute follows a deepening rift between Kyiv and Washington, including a recent US waiver on Russian diesel imports that Zelenskyy criticized. Previous coverage noted that Starlink restrictions have already hampered Ukraine's ability to defend against Russian drone and missile attacks, raising fears that Washington is using military support as leverage.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and Axios report that Zelenskyy is frustrated by the lack of response from US military and diplomatic channels, with Axios noting that Ukrainian officials are scrambling to determine if the restrictions are a political decision or a technical error. The Telegraph, cited by Axios, claims Musk proposed throttling the networks to Trump, a claim a White House official denied. AP News focuses on the ongoing diplomatic talks between Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov and Jared Kushner to resolve the issue. All sources agree that the restrictions are currently in place and significantly impact Ukraine's defensive capabilities.

Why it matters

The inability to use satellite-linked interceptor drones leaves Ukraine vulnerable to Russian air attacks, particularly on energy infrastructure. This technical dispute highlights the broader political tension between the US and Ukraine, where military support is increasingly viewed as a tool of leverage rather than unconditional aid.

What to watch

Ukrainian and US teams are scheduled to meet next week to discuss the Starlink issue and a potential deal with Russia. Zelenskyy expects further lifting of sanctions on Russia, which he believes will embolden Moscow. The outcome of the diplomatic talks will determine if the satellite restrictions are lifted or if the political rift deepens.