From Ars Technica · · 1m 40s
Ukraine says Starshield speed limits are back
President Zelenskyy says SpaceX has reinstated restrictions on military satellite drones, hampering Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian aircraft. SpaceX denies any change.
In brief
President Zelenskyy says SpaceX has reinstated restrictions on military satellite drones, hampering Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian aircraft. SpaceX denies any change. Ukraine's president says SpaceX has restored speed limits on Starshield military drones, making it harder to shoot down Russian aircraft; SpaceX…
Zelenskyy: Starshield limits are back
Ukraine's president said today that SpaceX has reinstated speed restrictions on Starshield military drones in occupied Ukrainian territory. The limit is 161 kilometres per hour, or 100 miles per hour.
“The speed limit is back at 161 kilometers per hour, that's 100 miles per hour.”
SpaceX denies any change
SpaceX's media relations department told Ars Technica today that Zelenskyy's allegation is false and that there has been no change to Starshield restrictions.
“This is false. There has been no change.”
Why the limits matter
Without satellite connectivity at speed, Ukraine cannot intercept Russian jet-powered Shahed drones coming from occupied areas. Zelenskyy said this means more Russian strikes get through and more civilians are killed.
“This means more Russian strikes get through, and more of our people are killed, our civilians are killed, by Russia.”
Ukraine suspects pressure on peace talks
Ukrainian officials told the Financial Times they believe the speed restrictions were imposed to pressure Kyiv during peace talks with Russia that just concluded in Abu Dhabi.
First restrictions, then removed
Ukraine officials reported the first round of restrictions about a month ago, but the limits were removed by October 24. Zelenskyy said Ukraine does not know why the limit is in place again.
Musk says US military decides
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said last month that any decisions on Starshield restrictions are made by the US government.
EU calls restrictions unacceptable
European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said that restrictions on Ukraine's use of Starshield are unacceptable and that SpaceX must restore the service urgently so Ukraine can protect its citizens and defend its territory.
“Starshield services must be restored urgently for Ukraine to keep its soldiers connected, to protect its citizens, and to defend its territory.”
The big picture
Ukraine's president says SpaceX has restored speed limits on Starshield military drones, making it harder to shoot down Russian aircraft; SpaceX denies the claim.
