President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that the United States’ Starshield satellite‑communications system is still operating under speed restrictions that limit Ukraine’s ability to intercept hostile drones. In a nightly address, he said the throttling “remains in place along the entire front line and in temporarily‑occupied territories.” The restrictions, imposed by SpaceX in mid‑October amid tensions over Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, have made it difficult for Ukrainian forces to counter jet‑powered Shaheds and other drone threats.
“They also send Russia a signal that America may somehow treat our temporarily‑occupied land differently,” Zelenskyy said, urging the U.S. defence and foreign ministries to resolve the issue. The Ukrainian defence ministry reported that the limitations had caused disruptions for several days, hindering the interception of drone swarms that have become a frequent tactic in the conflict.
In the wake of the restrictions, Russia launched a drone strike on a Kyiv hospital near several western embassies. The National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics suffered a blast on its second floor, injuring three people. The attack came shortly after Zelenskyy’s remarks, raising concerns that the throttling may have sent a “bad signal” to Moscow.
Russia claims it shot down nearly 1,200 Ukrainian drones overnight, citing a large swarm sent from Kyiv. It also reported casualties in the southern region of Volgograd, where at least four people were killed. The escalation underscores the strategic importance of satellite‑based communications for Ukraine’s air defence.
European leaders have cautioned against being drawn into Russia’s broader security narrative. The EU’s foreign policy chief warned that Moscow is attempting to shift focus from its aggression by framing the conflict as a debate over European security. She emphasized that “we have one aggressor and one victim,” urging continued support for Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
Source: The Guardian World
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