U.S. Representative Visits Putin in Russia, Ukrainian Army Faces Speed Limit Again with "Star Shield"

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, November 12 - U.S. presidential envoy Wittekov and President Trump's son-in-law Kushner arrived at the Kremlin in Russia on the 12th to hold talks with President Putin. After the talks, the two will also head to Dublin, the capital of Ireland, where they are expected to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky on the evening of the 12th.

According to DPA reports, this is Wittekov's fourth visit to Russia this year. The discussions will include the U.S. representatives briefing Putin on the recent trilateral talks involving Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine. Additionally, Kushner stated earlier that the U.S. and Russia will also discuss "whether Europe can be included" in negotiations aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

On the 11th of this month, the two-day trilateral talks between Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine concluded in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, with an agreement reached on a large-scale exchange of prisoners. However, significant differences remain on key issues such as ending the conflict, territorial disputes, Ukraine's security guarantees, and the future security architecture of Europe.

Zelensky is currently in Dublin attending the ninth European Political Community Leaders' Meeting. On the 11th, he stated that Europe cannot be absent when discussing the Ukrainian issue, and European countries should coordinate as closely as possible to ensure that both the U.S. and Russia hear Europe's position. Irish Prime Minister Martin also stated that when issues concerning European interests are discussed, there must be a European voice at the negotiating table.

In addition, Zelensky posted on social media on the 12th that the Ukrainian military's use of the "Star Shield" satellite network is once again facing speed restrictions. This situation has persisted for several days and is not a "random error," but rather a "systematic speed limit." The speed limit "significantly increases the difficulty of intercepting Russian jet drones."

The "Star Shield," developed by the American aerospace company SpaceX, is the military version of the "Starlink" system, primarily serving the U.S. government and military.

Last month, the Ukrainian side stated that aircraft equipped with "Star Shield" terminals would experience "network disconnection" if their speed exceeded 160 kilometers per hour, leading to interruptions in multiple missions of the Ukrainian military. SpaceX CEO Musk subsequently stated that the "Star Shield" is controlled by the U.S. government, and the speed or usage restrictions are determined by the U.S. military, ultimately depending on Trump. Trump has denied any involvement in the speed restrictions. (Chen Lixi)