Zelensky has expressed frustration over renewed restrictions on the country’s access to Starshield, a military satellite communication service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, claiming that the limitations are making it increasingly difficult for Ukrainian forces to intercept Russian attack drones.
Zelensky said the restrictions had returned along the entire front line and in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, limiting the operational speed of connected equipment to approximately 100 miles per hour (161 kilometres per hour).
According to him, the restrictions are affecting Ukraine’s interceptor drones, which are designed to pursue and destroy Russian jet-powered Shahed drones before they reach their targets.
Speaking at the European Political Community Summit in Dublin on November 12, Zelensky said Ukraine had been experiencing significant disruptions for several days and was still seeking explanations from the American authorities.
Zelensky Questions Washington’s Decision as Russian Drones Continue Attacks
The Ukrainian president warned that the speed limitations were creating serious operational difficulties for his country’s air defence forces.
He explained that Russian jet-powered Shahed drones could move beyond the interception capabilities of Ukrainian drones operating under the reported restrictions.
According to Zelensky, Ukrainian forces cannot freely deploy fighter aircraft close to certain frontline areas, making interceptor drones particularly important in countering incoming attacks.
He warned that the restrictions could allow more Russian drones to reach their targets, increasing the danger to Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure.
Zelensky also suggested that decisions affecting satellite connectivity should respect Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty, particularly in areas temporarily occupied by Russia.
His administration is seeking clarification from Washington over the circumstances surrounding the renewed limitations.
SpaceX Denies Changing Starshield Operations as U.S. Lawmakers Demand Answers
However, the allegations have generated further controversy because SpaceX has disputed claims that it introduced new restrictions.
A SpaceX representative told Axios that the allegations were false, adding that there had been no change to the system.
The latest disagreement follows a similar disruption reported in October 2026, when Ukrainian forces experienced connectivity problems affecting fast-moving military equipment. Service was subsequently restored on October 24.
Meanwhile, 105 members of the bipartisan Ukraine Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives have called on the Trump administration and SpaceX to explain the restrictions and restore Ukraine’s full access to Starshield.
The lawmakers are demanding clarification about who authorised the limitations and why they were introduced.
The controversy comes as Ukraine continues to depend heavily on American satellite technology for battlefield communications and military operations. The renewed Starshield controversy raises difficult questions about Ukraine’s dependence on American military technology and the influence Washington has over Kyiv’s battlefield capabilities.
With the United States also involved in diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, the timing of the reported restrictions has attracted additional political attention. However, there is no publicly established evidence that the limitations were deliberately introduced to benefit Russia.
If Ukraine depends on American technology to defend its territory, should Washington have the power to determine how that technology operates during an ongoing war?
And with SpaceX denying any change, who should take responsibility for explaining the disruptions affecting Ukrainian forces?
OGM News will continue to monitor developments surrounding the United States, Ukraine and Russia.
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