Starshield Speed Limits Hit All Russian-Occupied Ukraine, but Not Kyiv-Controlled Areas

Ukrainian defense officials have detected a 100 mph (161 km/h) Starshield speed restriction across all Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory, while no such limitations have been recorded in areas under Kyiv’s control, sources within Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense told UNITED24 Media on November 13.

“As of today, specialists from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces are recording a speed limit of 161 km/h across all Ukrainian territory temporarily occupied by Russia. At the same time, no restrictions have been detected in Ukrainian-controlled territory,” the sources said.

The Ministry is currently communicating with SpaceX representatives to obtain explanations and resolve the issue, while also seeking additional clarification from the US Department of War.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the restrictions remain in place despite ongoing discussions with American officials, citing reports from Ukraine’s Defense Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“Unfortunately, the speed limit of 161 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour) for our forces remains in place along the entire front line and in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories. This makes it impossible, in particular, to use interceptors against jet-powered 'shaheds, '” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader emphasized that Kyiv has yet to receive a satisfactory explanation for the restrictions and has instructed senior officials to intensify diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue.

“We still have no clear explanations. I instructed Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense to step up contacts with the US Department of State, the Pentagon, and SpaceX to obtain clarification and resolve the situation,” he added.

Zelenskyy also announced additional measures to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, particularly around agricultural facilities. He instructed the Air Force Commander, Prime Minister, and Minister of Agrarian Policy to coordinate the deployment of air defense systems and reorganize mobile fire group operations to protect designated sites.

“We are now preparing new defense packages for Ukraine. Thank you to everyone who is helping! Thank you to everyone who is working truly swiftly,” Zelenskyy concluded.

Previously, Ukraine has reported three consecutive days of restrictions affecting SpaceX’s military-grade Starshield satellite communications system, with a Ukrainian official claiming the disruptions have caused 100% of affected military missions to fail.

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