MOSCOW, November 12. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky reported significant disruptions to Starshield, a US satellite communications system used by the Ukrainian armed forces.
"Significant disruptions to Starshield’s operations over the territory of Ukraine have been recorded for several days now – along the entire front line," he wrote on Telegram. Zelensky said the satellite communications system’s operating speed had dropped to 161 kilometers per hour.
In mid-October, officials in Kiev said SpaceX had restricted the operation of Starlink terminals used by the Ukrainian armed forces. Elon Musk pointed out that Starlink is used only for defensive and civilian purposes and should not be employed in offensive military operations. He also recalled that the US government owns and controls Starshield, a version of Starlink, and that any restrictions are set by the US armed forces and ultimately by the country’s president. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk himself ordered restrictions on Ukraine’s access to Starshield.