Zelensky: US has yet to explain Starshield speed limit for AFU

Speed limit issue across the entire front line

President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine is still awaiting clear answers from the United States regarding the speed limit on the operation of the Starshield system. According to the head of state, this technical limit applies both along the entire front line and in the temporarily occupied territories.

The established threshold is 161 km/h. Such a restriction, in particular, makes it impossible to use interceptors against jet-powered Shahed drones.

Leadership reaction and instructions to ministers

Commenting on the situation following a video conference, Zelensky noted:

«К сожалению, вдоль всей линии фронта и на временно оккупированной территории Украины сохраняется ограничение скорости для наших сил на уровне 161 километр в, что делает невозможным, в частности, применение перехватчиков против реактивных «Шахедов». Четких объяснений до сих пор нет. Поручил МИД Украины и министру обороны Украины активнее контактировать с Госдепом, Пентагоном и компанией SpaceX для получения разъяснений и исправления ситуации» (Unfortunately, the speed limit for our forces at 161 kilometres per hour remains in effect along the entire front line and in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, making it impossible, in particular, to use interceptors against jet-powered Shaheds. There are still no clear explanations. I have instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Minister of Defence of Ukraine to more actively contact the State Department, the Pentagon, and SpaceX to obtain clarifications and correct the situation).

Thus, Kyiv plans to intensify dialogue with American partners to determine the causes of the problem and achieve its resolution.

Context: Starlink or Starshield?

Previously, SpaceX denied information about the introduction of new restrictions. However, it is likely that this refers not to the civilian Starlink, but to the military Starshield system, whose operation is coordinated by the Pentagon.