Zelenskyy accuses SpaceX of imposing speed limits on Starshield terminals

OPA WIRE, Nov 15 (OPA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces are facing deliberate speed restrictions to the Starshield network, with terminals capped at a maximum speed of 161 kilometers per hour in areas occupied by Russian forces. The restrictions have now been in place for five days, according to comments released on Saturday. Kyiv has received no clear explanations for the curbs, which Zelenskyy said are directly affecting Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian jet-powered attack drones.

Speaking at the European Political Community summit in Dublin earlier this week, Zelenskyy questioned the motives behind the technical limitations. If decisions are being made in America that treat Ukrainian territory as if it is not Ukrainian, it signals a troubling shift, he told the summit. On Friday, the Ukrainian leader announced he had instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defense to step up contacts with the U.S. Department of State, the Pentagon, and SpaceX to obtain clarification and resolve the situation.

Starshield has proved critical to Ukraine's military operations against Russian forces, providing resilient internet and communications across the front lines. The dispute over satellite connectivity coincides with emerging diplomatic pressures. Zelenskyy disclosed on Friday that Washington had proposed the idea of Ukraine ceding land to Russia in exchange for NATO membership as efforts to accelerate peace talks continue.

Addressing reporters in comments embargoed until Saturday, Zelenskyy noted that the prospect of trading territorial withdrawal from Donbas for NATO accession was raised by American counterparts for the first time. He emphasized that any such decision would require public consultation. Ukraine is currently discussing specific security guarantees from NATO and the European Union, and Zelenskyy stated he would ask Ukrainian citizens to decide if Western nations formally confirm the terms.