According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Kyiv is having difficulty intercepting Russian jet-powered drones because Starlink’s military-grade satellite service, Starshield, is once again subject to “systematic” restrictions.
It happened the day after the most recent negotiations to end the war in Ukraine concluded in Abu Dhabi, when US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Zelensky informed European leaders in Dublin that Ukraine was attempting to resolve the Starlink issue with the United States.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What Happened | Putin met US representatives to discuss Ukraine peace efforts. |
| Location | Moscow, Russia |
| Key Leaders | Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky |
| US Representatives | Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff |
| Ceasefire Proposal | A proposed five day ceasefire in Kostyantynivka. |
| Major Concern | Starlink disruptions and Ukraine's frontline communication. |
| Current Situation | Peace discussions continue, but major disagreements remain. |
However, he stated that “some things” were already obvious: “If someone in America is making decisions that basically treat Ukrainian territory as if it is not Ukrainian, then this tells us where things are going.”
Elon Musk’s SpaceX business created Starshield for use by the government and military. It now plays a crucial part in enabling communication on the front lines of Ukraine alongside Starlink.
In late October, the front line experienced a similar connectivity problem that persisted for roughly a week before being resolved. At the time, it was unknown who had issued the order for the temporary limitations on Starlink services.
US Envoys Meet Putin Before Zelensky Talks
Following their meeting with Putin, Kushner and Witkoff are anticipated to go to Dublin to meet Zelensky.
On Thursday, Russian media released videos of the US delegates getting off an aircraft and being greeted by Kirill Dmitriev, the Kremlin ambassador.
They later met Putin and three of his top advisors at the Kremlin.
Putin encouraged the US envoys to express his “gratitude” to US First Lady Melania Trump for her participation in last month’s truce in the Kherson region, which made it possible for hundreds of people to be evacuated from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky, according to statements released by Russian media.
Putin Proposes Ceasefire in Kostyantynivka
Then, for Kostyantynivka, a disputed front-line Ukrainian city in the eastern Donetsk region, the Russian president suggested setting up a similar five-day truce.
A truce may enable Moscow’s forces to make a last-ditch effort to take the town, which Kyiv claims is entirely under Russian control.
“It’s obvious what they want in Kostyantynivka given that they brought in equipment and rotated troops in Oleshky under the pretense of a humanitarian operation,” stated Ukrainian presidential adviser Dmitry Lytvyn, adding that the specifics would need to be “clarified.”
Putin Rejects Foreign Troops in Ukraine
Only on Wednesday were the separate in-person meetings with the presidents of Russia and Ukraine publicized, following two days of discussions that were portrayed as focusing on Europe’s postwar security architecture.
Moscow has not shown any signs of retreating from its maximalist demands for independent Ukrainian territory and for Western nations to renounce any future commitment to defend Kyiv, nearly five years after Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Putin said on Thursday that Russia finds the deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine “unacceptable” and stated that Russia would rather that the United States interact with Europe.
Putin Rejects Foreign Troops in Ukraine
Only on Wednesday were the separate in-person meetings with the presidents of Russia and Ukraine publicized, following two days of discussions that were portrayed as focusing on Europe’s postwar security architecture.
Moscow has not shown any signs of retreating from its maximalist demands for independent Ukrainian territory and for Western nations to renounce any future commitment to defend Kyiv, nearly five years after Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Putin said on Thursday that Russia finds the deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine “unacceptable” and stated that Russia would rather that the United States interact with Europe.
Russia Says Peace Depends on Ukraine
However, the Russians have criticized the plan, pointing to Europe’s backing of Kyiv as a barrier.
The leader of the Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi, Vladimir Medinsky, stated that while he believed that all sides had “moved closer to achieving peace,” “a lot depends on Ukraine, on the position of the United States, and on whether Europe comes to its senses.”
