New restrictions on the operation of SpaceX's Starshield satellite communications could be a tool for political pressure on Kyiv by Washington during peace talks, Ukrainian officials have emphasized, commenting on another disruption in the system's operation.
New restrictions on the operation of SpaceX's Starshield satellite communications could be a tool for political pressure on Kyiv by Washington during peace talks, Ukrainian officials have emphasized, commenting on another disruption in the system's operation.
This was reported by the Financial Times, citing sources among Ukrainian officials.
According to their estimates, the speed limit imposed in recent days on terminals (up to 161 km/h) over the front line and occupied territories is not a technical malfunction. Kyiv suggests that this step is aimed at strengthening Russia's negotiating position against the backdrop of diplomatic meetings in Abu Dhabi and the visit of US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow.
"These are not random failures, but systematic speed restrictions. For us, this primarily means a significant complication in intercepting Russian jet-powered drones," Volodymyr Zelensky said during a speech in Dublin.
According to the head of state, the President's Office has already contacted Washington to clarify the circumstances, but there has been no official response yet. "We don't know the reason, [because] they are silent about this," one of the senior Ukrainian officials said in a comment to the FT.
"The American side will probably refer to the terms of the military tariff plan for Ukraine, but for several years these terms have not bothered anyone. Moreover, any terms can be changed and discussed, instead of leaving our country without sky protection," says Serhiy "Flash" Beskrestnov, presidential advisor on the development of technological areas of defense.
The European Commission said that the reports of the blockage were deeply concerning and unacceptable if confirmed. Brussels called on SpaceX to follow a consistent approach and urgently resume Starshield operations for Ukraine.
Earlier, Andriy Shuvalov, director of the Serhiy Prytula Charitable Foundation, reported that the foundation had developed a solution that should help reduce Ukraine's dependence on Starlink . It is currently in the testing phase.
