Zelenskyy claims Starlink service restrictions impacting Ukrainian defense

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported systematic service restrictions on Starlink terminals used by the Ukrainian armed forces. These disruptions, which began in early November 2026, impede the military's ability to intercept incoming Russian drones. Specifically, Kyiv reports that Starshield terminals—the military version of the SpaceX satellite system—experience signal loss when moving at speeds exceeding 160 km/h. This operational failure mirrors similar issues recorded in October, complicating ongoing defense efforts.

Speaking from an EU summit in Ireland, President Zelenskyy suggested that these restrictions may stem from decisions made in Washington, implying that some American actors treat Ukrainian territory as if it were not sovereign. The President has tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense with increasing coordination with the U.S. State Department, the Pentagon, and SpaceX to obtain official explanations and resolve the technical malfunction. As of November 13, 2026, the Ukrainian government stated it had received no clear response from the relevant parties regarding the cause of these limitations.

These technical challenges occur amid a period of heightened geopolitical tension, coinciding with diplomatic discussions held by representatives of Donald Trump in Moscow. Recently, a Russian drone strike also damaged the Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics in Kyiv, resulting in the injury of three patients.