Ukraine Reports Significant Starshield Disruptions as US Envoys Meet Putin; Zelenskyy Warns Europe

Starshield limits affect Ukrainian forces

Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s military has experienced significant disruptions to Starshield operations for several days. He described the problems as affecting the entire frontline and temporarily occupied parts of the country.

He said the service was being subject to systematic speed restrictions of 161 kilometers per hour, or 100 miles per hour. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had investigated and concluded the limits were not random errors.

The restrictions are complicating efforts to intercept Russian jet-powered drones, he said, with some strikes getting through before interception systems can respond. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was working with the American side to establish what had happened.

US envoys expected to meet Putin

The meeting was expected to begin around 9am GMT. Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergei Rybakov, cautioned that it was too early to say the necessary trust between Russia and the other parties had been restored.

Europe seeks a role in talks

Ireland’s Micheál Martin said Europe needs a clear, coherent voice in discussions on Ukraine. He said the question of European representation would be raised on the sidelines of the European Political Community meeting in Dublin, with a more formal discussion planned at an informal EU summit the following day.

Martin said the EU voice did not necessarily have to come from one person, but should reflect coherent leadership agreed by the EU27. He argued Europe should be represented because the talks affect its economy, security and Ukraine’s path toward EU membership.

He also said the coalition of the willing had helped persuade the US on several issues. Martin welcomed the potential prisoner swap discussed in Abu Dhabi, describing it as significant in itself and praising the work of Witkoff and Kushner.

Sanctions and transport disruption

France’s Europe minister, Benjamin Haddad, said the EU planned to approve new sanctions against Russia on Monday. He said the proposed measures would target 150 additional entities and 50 banks, with France proposing most of the entities.

Separately, Calais-Fréthun station in northern France remained closed while authorities assessed a bomb alert. The disruption delayed Eurostar services to and from London, with passengers warned of delays and possible further disruption.