Zelensky Claims "Starlink" Speed Limit Only Targets Ukraine, Has Evidence

On the 17th local time, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that the Ukrainian side obtained evidence through comparative testing conducted in EU countries, showing that the speed limit of the "Starlink" satellite communication terminals is only effective within Ukraine.

Zelensky pointed out that the current speed limit for "Starlink" terminals within Ukraine is 161 kilometers per hour, and exceeding this speed results in a complete loss of connection, causing drones that rely on this system to go out of control. To determine whether this is a technical failure or an intentional limitation, the Ukrainian side dispatched multiple vehicles equipped with terminals to EU countries for testing—on roads where high-speed driving is permitted, the vehicles maintained normal operation while traveling at speeds exceeding 180 kilometers per hour.

Zelensky stated that the Ukrainian side has preserved the test records and possesses relevant evidence. Based on this, he believes that the related restrictions are not a universal technical issue but rather a planned action. He also questioned whether this move is intended to weaken Ukraine's defensive capabilities, making it difficult to effectively protect frontline soldiers and civilians.

On the 10th, U.S. President Trump stated that "Ukraine should change its president," implying that President Zelensky has not done enough to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while also blaming Zelensky for rising diesel prices in the U.S. Ukrainian presidential advisor Beskrestnov announced on social media on October 14 that overnight, SpaceX implemented speed limits on the operational "Starlink" satellite internet system terminals, and the Ukrainian military had not received any related warnings, leading to multiple mission interruptions. According to Ukrainian sources on the 15th, a source from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense stated that the "Starlink" service used by the Ukrainian military has returned to normal.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, stated on social media on the 14th that the "Starshield" satellite communication system used by Ukraine is owned and controlled by the U.S. government, and any restrictions regarding speed or usage are determined by the U.S. military, ultimately depending on the U.S. president. Anonymous sources claimed that the order to restrict Ukraine's use of "Starshield" came from within the White House.

"Starshield" was specifically developed by SpaceX for government and national security clients, primarily serving the U.S. Department of Defense, and is regarded as the militarized version of SpaceX's "Starlink" satellite communication system. (Reporter Dong Wei from the Central Radio and Television Station)