Starlink speed restrictions remain in place with no clear explanation – Zelenskyy

"Unfortunately, a speed limit of 161 kilometers per hour (100 mph) remains in place for our forces along the entire front line and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, preventing, among other things, the use of interceptor drones against jet-powered Shahed drones. We still have no clear explanation," the president said in a statement.

Zelenskyy stressed that he had instructed Ukraine's Foreign Ministry and defense minister to "step up contacts with the State Department, the Pentagon and SpaceX to obtain explanations and resolve the situation."

The Defense Ministry also confirmed that restrictions affecting Starlink operations remain in effect.

According to Defense Ministry sources, ministry specialists have recorded a speed limit of 161 kilometers per hour across all Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. No such restrictions have been detected in Ukrainian-controlled areas.

The ministry said it was communicating with SpaceX representatives to obtain explanations and resolve the issue, while also seeking additional clarification from the U.S. Department of War.

On Nov. 12, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine had been experiencing significant disruptions to the Starshield satellite communications system for several days, including the reintroduction of a speed limit of 161 kilometers per hour.

Zelenskyy said the restrictions were preventing Ukraine from using certain interceptor drones, which cannot reach the speeds needed to shoot down Shahed drones.

Ukraine has faced similar restrictions before.

On Oct. 14, Ukrainian officials reported a reduction in the speed threshold, with Starshield connections dropping when platforms traveled faster than 160 kilometers per hour, disrupting military missions. The satellite communications system was not reported to have been fully restored for military use until Oct. 24.

During the restrictions affecting Starlink and Starshield in October, The Economist reported that U.S. billionaire and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk may have sought to punish Ukraine for its attacks on Russian oil refineries.