Ukraine accuses SpaceX of political speed limits on Starshield

Systematic slowdown affects drone defense

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that military-grade Starshield operations faced major speed restrictions on the front lines and in Russian-controlled territories. He confirmed these limits have been active for five days, capping speeds at 161 kilometers per hour or 100 miles per hour. This reduction prevents interceptors from reaching sufficient velocity to catch incoming jet-powered Russian Shahed drones before they strike targets. Zelenskyy described the situation as systematic rather than random errors affecting Kyiv's ability to defend its airspace effectively.

Zelenskyy questions SpaceX explanations

The president told reporters at the presidential palace that SpaceX claimed no restrictions existed despite evidence of widespread issues across the entire frontline. Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara and Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi briefed Zelenskyy on these disruptions during recent days without finding clear technical explanations. Ukraine suspects this throttling is a deliberate tactic to pressure Kyiv into concessions regarding eastern Donbas land cessions to Vladimir Putin. US negotiators including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff reportedly asked if Ukraine would trade the Donbas for Nato membership or security guarantees.

Negotiations stall over territorial demands

Zelenskyy categorically ruled out giving further land to Russian forces while dismissing a proposed humanitarian mission in Kostiantynivka as a ploy to occupy the city. He offered to repeat a previous truce model in nearby villages along the Dnipro River but President Putin rejected this proposal outright. The Kremlin insists Ukraine surrender the entire eastern Donbas region while Zelenskyy maintains that war can only end with meaningful western security guarantees. Neither US officials nor SpaceX have yet commented on these specific remarks regarding operational limitations.