Zelenskyy reports Starshield disruptions as US envoys pursue diplomatic talks

DUBLIN — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported significant operational disruptions and systematic speed restrictions affecting Starshield services across the frontline and temporarily occupied territories, complicating military communications and drone operations.

The reported telecommunications bottleneck comes as high-level diplomatic efforts intensify across multiple fronts. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow following a round of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi. The American envoys are subsequently expected to fly to Dublin to meet with Zelenskyy on the margins of the European Political Community summit.

The European Political Community summit brings together leaders from European Union member states and non-EU allied countries to address regional security, sustained support for Ukraine, and representation in prospective peace negotiations. Irish public broadcaster RTÉ reported that approximately 5,000 police officers have been deployed across Dublin to secure the gathering.

Amid these diplomatic discussions, European capitals are moving forward with further economic measures against Moscow. According to France’s Europe minister Benjamin Haddad, the European Union is planning to approve a new sanctions package on Monday targeting 150 additional entities and 50 banks, with France proposing the bulk of the entities.

The summit discussions unfold against a backdrop of wider European logistical strains. Eurostar services to and from London experienced delays following a request for police assistance, with French authorities halting trains at the Calais-Fréthun station.