Ukraine continues to face a speed restriction on Starshield satellite communications terminals across the entire front line and temporarily occupied territories, limiting their use by Ukrainian forces against russian jet-powered Shahed drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the issue on November 13, noting that the restriction remains in place despite ongoing communication with the American side.
Ukraine's Defense Minister Evgeniy Khmara and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi briefed him on discussions with U.S. representatives regarding the restrictions. The issue concerns a speed limit of 161 km/h (100 mph) imposed on Ukrainian forces' terminals in the affected areas.
Read more: Demand for 500-km PrSM Ballistic Missiles Keeps Growing Despite U.S. Stockpile Depletion During the War with Iran
The restriction reportedly prevents the use of certain Ukrainian systems, including interceptor drones, against jet-powered Shahed UAVs. These drones fly significantly faster than their conventional counterparts, making speed an important factor for interception systems relying on Starshield connectivity.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine had not yet received clear explanations for the restriction. He therefore instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense to intensify contacts with the U.S. Department of State, the Pentagon, and SpaceX to obtain clarification and resolve the situation.
Additional details were provided to ArmyInform by sources within Ukraine's Ministry of Defense. According to them, specialists from the Ministry and the Armed Forces have confirmed that the 161 km/h restriction applies across all Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by russian forces.
At the same time, the sources clarified that no such restrictions have been detected in territories controlled by Ukraine. This distinction suggests that the limitation is geographically applied rather than being a universal restriction affecting all Ukrainian Starshield terminals.
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense is continuing discussions with SpaceX representatives to establish the reasons behind the restriction and seek its removal. The ministry is also contacting the U.S. Department of War to obtain additional explanations.
Read more: Ukraine's Foundation Delivers UAH 98.9M in GOR Recon Drones and Black Betty, RAM-2X Loitering Munitions to SBU
