Zelensky says US Starshield speed limits are slowing Ukraine's frontline drone response

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that speed limits on Starshield, a US military-grade satellite system, are hindering Ukrainian forces' ability to coordinate drone strikes against Russian forces. He said frontline units reported that the equipment stops functioning at speeds of 130-160 kilometres (80-100 miles) per hour in various sectors of the front. Separately, a Ukrainian army brigade announced the rescue of a wounded soldier from the front line using an aerial drone, which it described as the first of its kind. Its published video shows the drone lowering to the ground, a man in combat gear fastening himself to a winch onboard, and being lifted upward.

Timeline

1. France 24

   19 Oct 2026, 18:45 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that Zelensky said on Monday that Starshield speed limits stop frontline equipment from functioning at 130-160 km/h (80-100 mph) and are slowing Ukraine's coordination of drone strikes against Russian forces.