“Restrictions are still in effect”: Zelensky spoke about problems with Starlink and consequences for drones

He said this while talking to journalists.

Zelensky said that Ukrainian drones, including Shahed jet interceptors that use Starlink, are facing a speed limit. The connection is turned off when the drone moves faster than 100 mph (161 km/h).

“Our Starlink works up to a speed of 161 km per hour, then it turns off. We certainly lose both drones and communication. Unfortunately, today we cannot use Starlink technology on the territory of our state to shoot down jet fighters. We stop them by other means,” the president said.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine was informed at various levels that the problems could be caused by technical malfunctions. To verify this version, Ukrainian specialists tested drones with satellite communication in the territory of European Union countries.

“To understand whether these are really technical problems at SpaceX, or is this some kind of operation or agreement to limit us, disable us, prevent us from defending ourselves, protecting our people… We sent a couple of cars to the territory of the European Union countries with Starlink and they were traveling at a speed, where possible, of 180 km/h plus. Starlink is working. We have the appropriate fixations. The conclusion is as follows. The restrictions apply in the territory of Ukraine, and the restrictions do not apply in the territory of the European Union countries. That is, this is a planned operation,” Zelenskyy said.

The President added that Ukraine had contacted SpaceX for explanations regarding the restrictions, but as of October 17, it had not received a response.