Ukraine unable to stop russian drones due to starlink speed limits
Ukraine’s interceptor drones face disruptions due to Starlink speed restrictions, leaving its forces struggling to counter Russian drone attacks, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says.
Ukraine remains unable to use some interceptor drones against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones because of speed restrictions affecting Starlink’s military-grade service, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on October 17.
Speaking to reporters during an online media chat at the European Union summit, Zelenskyy said the restrictions prevent Ukrainian forces from using the technology to intercept fast-moving Russian drones. He said Starlink connectivity in Ukraine stops when equipment exceeds approximately 161 kilometres per hour.
“Unfortunately, we can't use Starlink or Starshield technology on our territory today to shoot down jet-powered Shaheds,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine must rely on aircraft and other air defence systems to counter the attacks.
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian officials were discussing the issue with US officials and SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk that operates Starlink. According to the Ukrainian president, officials had described the restrictions as technical problems, although he said the service appeared to operate at higher speeds in European Union territory.
The restrictions affect Starshield, a military-grade satellite communications service used by Ukraine’s armed forces. The technology helps maintain communications with drones and supports military operations over long distances.
Ukrainian officials and military personnel reported disruptions beginning on October 14, when terminals reportedly began losing connectivity as they moved above certain speeds. Ukraine’s Defence Ministry has been in contact with US officials, SpaceX and NATO partners while examining alternative communication channels.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he had not restricted Ukraine’s access to Starlink and did not believe Musk was responsible. Musk also said Starshield is owned and controlled by the US government, with decisions about its use made by the US military and ultimately the president.
The dispute comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over US policy toward Russia. Trump recently eased restrictions affecting Russian diesel exports, a move Zelenskyy criticised amid continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. In its earlier coverage, Trump’s decision to waive Russia sanctions as tensions with Ukraine grow.
Zelenskyy also said Russia had attacked more than 15 critical power generation and transmission facilities across Ukraine. The attacks have added pressure on the country’s energy infrastructure as its military continues to defend against Russian aerial assaults.
