Ukraine’s Satellite Links Remain Limited Even After Partial Restoration

President Volodymyr Zelensky told CNN that Ukraine’s military still faces throttled access to SpaceX’s Starlink and Starshield services, which hampers the ability of interceptor drones to engage fast-moving Russian Shahed attack drones. He said the limits reduce connection speeds to “70 or even 100” km/h, far below the 450–500 km/h speed of Iranian-supplied drones. Zelensky also confirmed that early-warning ballistic-missile alerts, which had been disrupted, are now functioning again after discussions with U.S. officials.

Zelensky Says Starshield Still Restricted, Urges Patriot Missiles The Straits Times

U.S. President Donald Trump later claimed Elon Musk had restored the service, though he did not confirm personal involvement. SpaceX’s chief executive has said Starshield is controlled by the U.S. government, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintains that Starlink is a commercial product whose operating decisions lie with SpaceX. The Pentagon has denied issuing any directive to slow the system.

Zelensky Says Starshield Still Restricted, Urges Patriot Missiles

• Trump responded to a Wall Street Journal report, saying, “I guess the bottom line, he put it back.”

Zelensky Says Starshield Still Restricted, Urges Patriot Missiles

• Rubio asserted that the United States has not changed policy regarding the satellite service and that Ukraine’s request for broader Starshield access remains under discussion.

Zelensky Says Starshield Still Restricted, Urges Patriot Missiles

• As of early October 24, Zelensky reported Starshield operating at speeds of up to 420 km/h.

The Straits Times

• “I guess the bottom line, he put it back,” — Donald Trump, US president

Zelensky Says Starshield Still Restricted, Urges Patriot Missiles

• “When an Iranian drone goes with a speed of 450 or 500 kilometers per hour, and you limit [the speed] one night to 70 or even 100, you cannot intercept anything,” — Volodymyr Zelensky, president

Zelensky Says Starshield Still Restricted, Urges Patriot Missiles

• “We had real problems with intelligence,” — Volodymyr Zelensky, president

Zelensky Says Starshield Still Restricted, Urges Patriot Missiles

• “I think that if you lift sanctions, you make him stronger,” — Volodymyr Zelensky, president

Zelensky Says Starshield Still Restricted, Urges Patriot Missiles

• “We don’t want to compare. We’re just asking not to forget about us,” — Volodymyr Zelensky, president

Zelensky Says Starshield Still Restricted, Urges Patriot Missiles