Starlink speed limits in Ukraine hamper efforts to intercept jet-powered Shahed drones – Zelenskyy

He said Starlink's maximum operating speed remains limited to 160 kilometers per hour (99 mph), beyond which the terminal shuts down and Ukrainian forces lose the drone relying on that connection.

Ukraine tested Starlink equipment in EU countries, where no such restrictions were in place and the equipment operated at speeds exceeding 180 kilometers per hour (112 mph), the president said.

"The restrictions apply on Ukrainian territory, but they do not apply in EU countries. This means it is a planned operation," Zelenskyy said.

The president explained that Starlink terminals help Ukrainian troops carry out various missions, including delivering food to combat positions and using interceptor drones to shoot down Russian jet-powered Shahed drones. According to Zelenskyy, those interceptors are currently unable to operate.

Starlink restrictions in Ukraine

On the morning of Oct. 14, reports emerged of Starlink speed restrictions that disrupted several important military missions. The restrictions affected Starshield, a service used by Ukrainian military personnel.

Military personnel and experts reported communications disruptions and a possible impact on interceptor drone operations. An NV source in the Defense Ministry later confirmed that connectivity was restricted at speeds exceeding 160 kilometers per hour (99 mph).

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to American entrepreneur Elon Musk and called the Starlink slowdown "a big mistake."

On Oct. 14, Musk said the speed restrictions affecting the military Starshield service were imposed by the U.S. government, not his company.