Zelensky Calls Starlink Limits a ‘Planned Operation’ Against Ukraine
Zelensky says Ukrainian tests found Starlink worked above 180 km/h in the EU but disconnected at lower speeds inside Ukraine, disrupting drone missions and air defenses.
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Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday accused those behind speed restrictions on Ukraine’s military Starlink connections of conducting a “planned operation” to weaken its defenses.
The allegation escalates Kyiv’s dispute with Washington as Russian air attacks intensify before winter and relations between Zelensky and President Donald Trump deteriorate.
Tests Across the Border
In written comments to reporters, Zelensky said Ukraine had sent two vehicles carrying Starlink equipment into EU territory to investigate Washington’s explanation that technical problems were to blame.
He said connections remained operational at speeds above 180kph. He did not identify the countries involved.
“They moved at speeds exceeding 180kph, and the Starlink systems worked perfectly. We have the relevant logs and evidence to prove this,” Zelensky said.
Inside Ukraine, he set the maximum speed for drones carrying the terminals at 161kph. Going beyond the threshold severed the connection and caused the aircraft to be lost, he said.
“The conclusion is clear: the restrictions are in effect within Ukraine but do not apply within the European Union. In other words, this is a planned operation.”
Drone Missions Disrupted
Ukrainian forces have reported suspending missions because the restrictions prevent drones from maintaining the speeds needed to evade Russian air defenses.
Zelensky said the disruption also affected interceptor drones deployed against Russia’s jet-powered unmanned aircraft.
Ukraine was relying more heavily on fighter jets to intercept drones, with a success rate above 50%, he added.
The restrictions followed unexpected gaps in intelligence from foreign partners about Russian ballistic missile attacks. Both developments caught Kyiv off guard.
Responsibility Disputed
SpaceX owner Elon Musk attributed decisions on restrictions affecting Starlink and its military counterpart, Starshield, to the U.S. government.
He said the Pentagon or the president would control speed and usage limits.
Trump denied on Friday that either he or Musk was responsible.
A bipartisan group of senators has asked the Pentagon to investigate, sending a letter on Thursday demanding an inquiry.
Sanctions Add to the Rift
The dispute has unfolded alongside Trump’s decision to waive additional sanctions on Russia required under legislation he signed last month.
Zelensky said the exemptions benefited Moscow and predicted further sanctions relief.
He also criticized the U.S.-Russia diesel agreement, under which Trump announced the immediate release of 300,000 tonnes to American and global markets before next month’s midterm elections.
Another disagreement concerns Trump’s announcement that Moscow and Kyiv had accepted an energy ceasefire.
Ukraine halted long-range strikes on Russian refineries for three days following that announcement.
It subsequently restarted the attacks as Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities continued.
Ahmet Koçak
Ahmet Koçak is a news editor at Clash Report based in Istanbul. He previously served as Deputy Managing Editor at Türkiye Today, helping launch the digital news platform in 2023, and spent three years as Senior Editor at Daily Sabah. His work focuses on breaking news, geopolitics, international affairs, and digital journalism.
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