Zelensky Urges US, Musk to Lift 161 km/h Starshield Limit as Russian Strikes Hit Energy Grid
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Nov 15
Zelensky Urges US, Musk to Lift 161 km/h Starshield Limit as Russian Strikes Hit Energy Grid
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Nov 15
Summary
Zelensky said Starshield speed restrictions are still hampering Ukraine's air defenses, with interceptor drones losing contact at 161 km/h and failing to catch Russian jet-powered Shahed-type drones.
The Ukrainian leader said lifting the limits is critical to protecting lives and energy infrastructure before winter, and urged officials to work closely with the US government and Elon Musk's company.
The dispute has dragged on since October, with Musk saying Starshield is controlled by Washington and Trump denying responsibility even after saying he told Musk to "put it back."
Russia overnight struck energy sites in Zaporizhzhia and four other regions, plus rail infrastructure in three regions; two people were killed in Chernihiv as Ukraine also reported a shortage of Patriot interceptors.
The restrictions have unfolded alongside tensions over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities, which Kyiv says weaken Moscow's war funding but Trump has criticized for pushing up global prices.