Ukraine hit by ‘significant’ Starshield disruptions as US envoys meet Putin, Zelenskyy says - Europe live
Ukraine is experiencing 'significant disruptions' to Starshield operations, with systematic speed restrictions affecting military capabilities, President Zelenskyy announced as US envoys met with Putin in Moscow.
Ukraine's military is facing 'systemic speed restrictions' on Starshield that are limiting its capabilities to intercept Russian drones, President Zelenskyy announced on social media. The disruptions have been ongoing for several days, affecting operations along the entire frontline and in occupied territories.
The Ukrainian military has determined that these are not random errors but systematic limitations imposed on the system, which is now capped at 161 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour). This constraint is preventing Ukrainian forces from effectively intercepting Russian jet-powered drones, allowing more strikes to reach their targets.
Unfortunately, this is helping the Russians kill more Ukrainians and carry out more accurate strikes against Ukraine. We are trying to establish all the circumstances with the American side.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
As Ukraine reports these technical issues, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to advance issues discussed in recent trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi. The meeting began around 9am GMT, with Russian officials cautioning that necessary trust between Russia and Ukraine has not yet been restored.
Following the Moscow meeting, the US envoys are scheduled to travel to Dublin to meet with Zelenskyy on the margins of the European Political Community summit, where over 40 leaders from Ukraine's allied countries are gathering.
EU Sanctions Expansion
The European Union is planning to approve new sanctions against Russia on Monday, targeting 150 additional entities and 50 banks, according to France's Europe minister Benjamin Haddad. France proposed the majority of the new entities to be added to the sanctions list.
Haddad emphasized that the EU will continue to maintain economic pressure on Russia while supporting Ukraine. The announcement comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict and its humanitarian consequences.
Security Alert in France
Separately, Calais-Fréthun station in northern France remains closed due to a bomb alert that is being assessed by authorities. The security alert is causing delays for Eurostar services between the UK and mainland Europe, with passengers warned of potential further disruption.
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