Zelensky says military Starlink service is being throttled again

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the military version of Starlink, the satellite internet service run by SpaceX, is once again being throttled. Throttling means limiting data speeds. Ukraine relies on the military version to fight Russia.

Zelensky made the remarks in Dublin, in the aftermath of U.S.-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi. On Thursday he briefed the European Political Community summit in Ireland on the issue.

"We are again seeing problems with Starshield," Zelensky said. He identified Starshield as the military version of SpaceX's Starlink.

He said the problem directly affects Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian jet-powered Shahed drones. Because of speed restrictions, he said, Ukraine cannot catch up with the jet-powered drones in time. He said Ukraine is encountering the restriction in Ukrainian territory that is currently occupied by Russia.

Zelensky said the throttling means more Russian strikes get through and more Ukrainian civilians are killed.

Kyiv is trying to get answers on the throttling from the United States, he said. He added that if someone in America was making decisions that treated Ukrainian territory as if it were not Ukrainian, that would show Ukraine where things were heading.

The issue is not new. In mid-October, Ukrainian officials said SpaceX had abruptly capped the speeds of Starlink and Starshield, cutting off drones and other equipment moving faster than about 160 km/h (100 mph). Service after that cap was restored on Oct. 24.

In Dublin, Zelensky called for more money, more military support and further sanctions on Russia.