Zelensky says Starlink/Starshield fails at 130–161 km/h as U.S. delays vital air-defense supplies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that equipment using Starlink and Starshield services is still failing at speeds of 130–161 km/h on parts of the front, disrupting logistics and limiting Ukraine’s use of drones.

In a post after a conference call on October 19, Zelensky said he had received a separate report from the commander-in-chief on the situation reported by frontline units.

“Unfortunately, we are recording that on various sections of the front, the equipment stops functioning at speeds of 130–161 kilometers per hour,” Zelensky said.

He said the restrictions were slowing frontline logistics and limiting several types of drones, particularly medium-range strike drones and interceptors designed to counter jet-powered Shahed drones.

“Today, this issue must once again be discussed with our partners at every level,” Zelensky said. “Speed matters when it comes to protecting lives.”

Zelensky separately said Ukraine’s defense and foreign ministers and his presidential office had been given urgent instructions to contact partners capable of quickly providing additional air-defense support.

“There are political agreements that have not been implemented at the working level,” he said. “There are also delays in certain types of vital supplies at the level of the U.S. Defense Department.”

Zelensky said Ukraine had also identified additional production capacity for gun turrets that have proved effective against Shahed drones and was increasing orders while seeking to accelerate organizational, financial and production processes.

The complaints came after another major Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine on Monday. Zelensky said Kyiv had received no advance warning from partners for part of the attack and has also complained of delays in U.S.-supplied Patriot air-defense equipment.

Ukraine first reported the new Starlink/Starshield movement restrictions last week. Although operation of Starshield terminals while in motion was later restored, Ukrainian officials say the speed limitation affecting faster-moving equipment remains in place.