Starlink slowdown underscores Ukraine’s reliance on the US in the battle for the skies

Temporary restrictions on crucial Ukrainian guidance system is the latest in a series of setbacks for Kyiv. It also comes amid worsening relations with Washington.

By: Gerard Toal, Virginia Tech, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 16, 2026

Words: 1,300

Last Updated: 13 hours, 41 minutes ago

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By Gerard Toal, Virginia Tech

If Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy needed a reminder that Ukraine’s war with Russia may well be decided in the skies by the nation with the most advanced weaponry, then it was delivered this week – seemingly by the United States.

On the night of Oct. 13-14, 2026, the guidance system Ukraine’s military uses to blunt Russia’s aerial attacks suddenly stopped working normally. The system, called Starshield, is funded by …

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