The key facts

  • Zelensky reported new 'regular' Starshield restrictions: communications work only when drone speeds are below 161 km/h
  • According to the Ukrainian side, this effectively rules out intercepting Russian jet-powered drones flying at up to 1,000 km/h
  • Elon Musk claims the restrictions are set by the US military and the president; Trump and Hegseth deny this

What Happened

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on November 13 that Ukraine has still not received clear explanations about the new restrictions introduced in the operation of the Starshield satellite system used by the Ukrainian army. A day earlier, he reported the emergence of 'regular' restrictions in the system's functioning. Starshield is the military version of the Starlink satellite communications system owned by SpaceX; it plays an important role in troop command and control, countering Russian drones, and providing communications at the front.

The Essence of the Restrictions

According to Zelensky, the restrictions are in effect 'along the entire front line,' as well as in the sky over territories occupied by Russia. According to his data, communications through the system currently work only if the intercepting drones are moving at a speed of less than 161 km/h. The Ukrainian side asserts that this practically nullifies the ability to intercept Russian jet-powered drones capable of reaching speeds of up to 1,000 km/h. Ukraine first reported problems with Starshield back in October.

Diplomatic Steps and the Dispute over Who Imposed the Restrictions

Zelensky instructed the foreign ministry and the defense minister to intensify contacts with the US State Department, the Pentagon, and SpaceX in order to 'get a clear answer and bring clarity to the situation.' Contradictory versions about the reasons for the restrictions have been voiced publicly. The Wall Street Journal reported that SpaceX founder Elon Musk ordered the restriction of Ukraine's use of Starshield — this happened against the backdrop of disagreements between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump over an agreement between the US and Russia on supplies of Russian diesel fuel. Musk himself stated that 'the speed and all restrictions on use' of the system are determined by the US military and ultimately by the US president. However, both Trump and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected that statement. Thus, the question of who exactly imposed the restrictions and on what grounds remains open.