Explainer
Who ordered the satellite slowdown that crippled Ukraine's interceptor drones?
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Ukrainian interceptor drones defending the front lines against Russian air attacks were suddenly hobbled after Starshield cut their data links above 160 km/h.
160km/h
SpaceX founder Elon Musk pointed to the US government and the president, posting that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS.
“Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS.”
Reuters cited US officials reporting the White House ordered the cap from Washington, while the Telegraph reported Musk proposed throttling and Trump agreed. Axios cited a source denying any link, leaving officials in Kyiv sceptical and without an explanation.
Washington and Kyiv
Yet Donald Trump firmly rejected both claims, telling reporters, Well, I don't know if it was anybody, but it wasn't me, and I don't think it was Elon.
“Well, I don't know if it was anybody, but it wasn't me, and I don't think it was Elon.”
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The story
Zelenskyy accuses US of holding back paid Patriot interceptors as Trump calls for a new negotiatorRead the article
Based on reports by
- Deutsche WelleZelenskyy accuses US of delaying Patriot missile shipment
- BBC“People died because of this”. Advisor to the President of Ukraine stated that interruptions in intelligence from the US led to casualties
- Spiegel OnlineDefensive fight against Russia: Zelenskyy accuses the US of blocking paid missile deliveries
- tagesschau.deVerbal exchange: Tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy
- The GuardianUkraine war briefing: Zelenskyy claims US deliberately delaying interceptor missile deliveries to Kyiv
- 20minutesZelensky accuses the United States of not delivering “already paid for missiles”