Speed Restrictions are being imposed on Starshield in Ukraine again

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says military units have experienced significant disruptions to Starshield service for several days across the front line and in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. After receiving briefings from Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara and Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi, he said the military’s review found systematic speed limits rather than random technical faults. The restrictions reportedly cap Starshield operations at 161 kilometers per hour, or 100 miles per hour.

Zelenskyy argues that the limit is undermining Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian jet-powered drones. He says Ukrainian interception systems cannot keep pace or engage quickly enough under the restriction, and that some Russian attacks have already struck their targets as a result. In his account, the disruption is enabling more Russian casualties among Ukrainians and more accurate strikes. He does not identify who imposed the limits or explain their rationale; instead, he says Ukraine is working with the American side to establish the circumstances. The central issue is therefore both the reported technical constraint and its immediate military consequences, as well as uncertainty over why it was introduced.