Zelensky accuses a "planned operation" after the restrictions imposed by Starlink in Ukraine: "It will cost many of our lives"

The Starlink service, operated by SpaceX, Elon Musk's company, remains subject to restrictions in Ukraine at speeds over 160 km/h. Under these conditions, some Ukrainian drones can no longer use the connection to intercept Russian drones. Zelensky stated on Saturday, in a conversation with journalists on WhatsApp, that Ukraine tested the service by sending vehicles equipped with Starlink to the countries of the European Union at speeds over 180 km/h. "Starlink continued to work. The conclusion is this: the restrictions are in effect in Ukraine, but not in effect in the countries of the European Union. Therefore, this is a planned operation," the Ukrainian president stated. The restrictions bring back into discussion Ukraine's dependence on the satellite communications infrastructure of an American company, in the context of the growing tensions between Kyiv and the administration in Washington. "This will cost many of us our lives," a Ukrainian officer with experience stated at the beginning of the week to POLITICO and Axel Springer Global Reporters Network. Zelensky said that Ukrainian authorities are trying to get a response from the company and American institutions, both on military and diplomatic channels. "We are contacting everyone at the military level, at the Ministry of Defense level, and at the diplomatic level, including SpaceX. Right now, no one is responding to our army or the Ministry of Defense," the Ukrainian leader stated. SpaceX did not respond immediately to the request for comments. EU seeks alternatives to Starlink The European Union is facing increasing pressure to offer Ukraine an alternative to Starlink. Negotiations between Brussels and Kyiv regarding access to the Govsatcom program, which provides governments with secure communication capabilities, have reached an impasse. Even IRIS², the satellite communications network developed by the European Union to compete with Starlink, is not an immediate solution. The system is estimated to become operational only in 2030. Zelensky insists that European states have already begun to look for alternative solutions and that there is progress in this direction. "The Europeans are now raising the problem of alternatives themselves. And they are already working on them. They are already making progress and will be successful in this area. I already see this," the Ukrainian president stated. Zelensky accuses Russia of trying to cause a general power outage On Saturday, Zelensky accused Russia of trying to cause a general power outage in Ukraine through attacks on energy infrastructure before winter arrives. "Russia is trying to cause a general power outage in Ukraine just before winter. Russia is trying to leave millions of our compatriots without electricity and heating. Pressure is needed to stop this," Zelensky wrote on Telegram. The Ukrainian president also criticized Washington's decision to impose sanctions on Moscow, arguing that the measure reduces pressure on Russia and encourages it to continue the war. "The suspension of American sanctions, which alleviates the pressure on the aggressor, and the financial rewards for [Russian president Vladimir] Putin: all of this only encourages him to continue the attacks," Zelensky stated. According to the information presented in the report, Russia launched attacks on the Ukrainian energy sector, including facilities for the production and transport of electrical energy. More than 320 Shahed drones with rocket propulsion, "loitering" munitions, as well as cruise and ballistic missiles were used in the attacks. Approximately one million people were left without electricity. Zelensky calls for more pressure on Moscow The statements of the Ukrainian leader come in the context of the United States president Donald Trump's decision to lift some key sanctions against Russia. The measure was welcomed by Kirill Dmitriev, the special envoy of Vladimir Putin for investments and economic cooperation, who described it as "an important and truly historic moment." Zelensky also criticized the fact that the bill associated with Senator Lindsey Graham, which he said could have exerted effective pressure on Russia to end the war, was not adopted in the United States. "Unfortunately, America decided to completely ignore Senator Lindsey Graham's bill, which could have exerted truly effective pressure on Russia to end this war," Zelensky stated. "This bill could have helped a lot and can even help more! But the law must work effectively, and every vote in its favor counts," the Ukrainian president added. Read also: France, engulfed in social rage. A Romanian student describes the atmosphere on the street: "The tension is palpable. People can no longer cope."