Russian strikes cause blackouts in Ukraine as Starlink connectivity is restricted

Russian attacks hit critical energy infrastructure in Ukraine, leaving 600,000 people without power. The Guardian and BBC News both reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of violating an energy ceasefire announced by the United States president. Reports on the casualty toll from the missile strikes varied, with Al Jazeera reporting at least six people killed and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reporting three deaths in Kyiv. [1][2][7][9][10][12]

Ukrainian military operations faced sudden complications as speed restrictions were applied to the Starlink satellite internet system. BBC News cited a source in the Ukrainian defence ministry who stated that connectivity was restricted at speeds above 160 km/h, impacting logistics, unmanned systems, and middle-strike missions. An adviser to Zelenskyy confirmed the overnight restrictions on Starlink terminals, according to Euronews. [1][2][6]

France 24 and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that Kyiv received no usual warnings from partners prior to the Russian ballistic missile attacks. Amid speculation that intelligence sharing had ceased, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that United States President Donald Trump was clear that intelligence sharing with Ukraine has not stopped, a position also reported by France 24. [1][4][7][9]

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The latest strikes follow earlier air attacks that damaged key transport and residential sites in Kyiv, as FTMQ News reported earlier. [11][14][15]

With the Russian aggression continuing, Rutte stated that NATO allies need to do more to assist Kyiv. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy urged Trump to impose new sanctions on Russia following the latest damage to energy infrastructure. [1][10]