Ukraine’s Fast-Moving Drones Face Starlink Shutdowns at 130–161 km/h, Zelenskyy Warns

Ukraine is recording failures of Starlink and Starshield equipment on parts of the front when systems move at speeds of 130–161 kilometers per hour, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on October 19.

Zelenskyy stated that Commander-in-Chief Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi delivered a separate briefing based on information from Ukrainian military units via satellite communications.

According to the president, the speed-related shutdowns are slowing frontline logistics and restricting the use of several drone types, particularly mid-strike drones and interceptors designed to counter jet-powered Shahed drones.

“Unfortunately, we are recording that in different sectors of the front, equipment stops functioning at speeds of 130–161 kilometers per hour,” Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing that maintaining connectivity at high speeds is critical to protecting lives.

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War in Ukraine

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On October 19, Zelenskyy instructed Ukrainian officials to raise the issue with international partners at all levels, emphasizing the operational importance of maintaining connectivity for fast-moving military systems.

The warning comes amid broader concerns over US support for Ukraine. Earlier on October 19, Zelenskyy indicated that Washington’s latest actions could signal growing pressure on Kyiv to accept Russia’s terms for ending the war.

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