Ukraine Seeks Starshield Speed-Limit Removal for Drone Defense

Ukraine is negotiating with SpaceX and the U.S. government to lift a speed restriction that disconnects moving Starshield terminals above 160 kilometers per hour, disrupting satellite links used by Ukrainian interceptor drones and helicopters against Russian aerial attacks. Ukrainian officials say the unexpected limit has forced some operations to slow or be canceled, increasing the risk that Russian drones can evade interception or target Ukrainian forces. The restriction’s origins remain disputed: reporting citing U.S. officials says the White House directed the limit, while a separate report alleges Elon Musk proposed it and President Donald Trump agreed; Musk has said decisions rest with the U.S. government, and Trump denied ordering the measure. The episode has heightened tensions between Kyiv and Washington and underscored Ukraine’s dependence on satellite infrastructure controlled by U.S. government and commercial actors.