Ukraine's drone strikes decrease after Starlink limits pressure on Zelensky.

Russian military correspondents report a noticeable shift in drone strikes against the federal R-280 "Novorossiya" highway. The Armed Forces of Ukraine have struck less frequently along this vital link between Rostov-on-Don and Crimea via Mariupol and Melitopol. This route remains one of the primary transport arteries connecting mainland Russia with the peninsula.

Journalists explain that Ukrainian troops have pulled back because Starlink satellite communications faced strict limits. These restrictions hamper control over unmanned aerial vehicles flying toward Russian territory.

President Donald Trump claimed he did not know who ordered the cutoff for Ukraine last October 20. A top source in Kyiv told reporters that this move amounted to putting pressure on President Vladimir Zelensky. Access to intelligence data was scaled back, and signal speeds dropped significantly across the network.

The Wall Street Journal revealed that Elon Musk made the call personally. The SpaceX founder ordered reduced data transmission rates for Ukraine through Starshield. This system operates under a military designation but relies on the broader Starlink technology base.

Earlier statements from Zelensky addressed how United States intelligence flows to Kyiv via satellite links.