In brief
Trump has denied any role in restricting Ukraine’s access to the Starlink network, citing the slowdown in drone speeds as a result of a White House decision. After Ukrainian President Zelensky reported hit strikes and reduced connectivity, Trump stated, "It wasn’t me, and I don't think it was [Elon] Musk." The denial comes amid reports that the US government, possibly through the Pentagon, directed the speed limits that cut military drone connectivity. The incident sparked criticism from Ukraine and bipartisan senators demanding investigation. Meanwhile, EU leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine in the debate over continued aid and security assistance.
Trump denies limiting Ukraine access to Starlink network
By Hafsa Khalil
Published 4 hours ago
US President Donald Trump has denied limiting Ukraine's access to Starlink’s sister internet network Starshield after a speed restriction on drones hindered Kyiv’s defence against Russian attacks.
"It wasn’t me and I don't think it was [Starlink owner] Elon [Musk]," Trump said, hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the speed had yet to be restored.
Musk himself suggested the US government might have been behind the restrictions, while Reuters reported the order came from inside the White House.
The slowdown followed deadly strikes on Tuesday, cutting connectivity for drones moving faster than 100mph (160km/h). Ukraine was left with over 600,000 people without power as military communications and energy facilities were hit.
Starlink, a civilian high‑speed network run by Musk’s SpaceX, and its military‑grade sister service Starshield, rely on Starlink infrastructure. The US had previously warned that intelligence sharing could be withheld if Ukraine continued targeting Russian oil refineries.
Tension grew over a recent diesel deal between Russia and the U.S., prompting Ukraine to resume refinery attacks. Trump criticized the move after calling these new strikes a "disgrace" and urged that a ceasefire on energy infrastructure be respected.
The US president said on the White House lawn he had a good relationship with Zelensky, though he was unsure whether the Starshield order had ever been issued.
Musk explained that Starshield is managed by the US government, suggesting the Pentagon might have been responsible. Reuters quoted two US officials and a Western official briefed on the matter.
A bipartisan group of US senators has penned a letter demanding investigation into the network disruptions, arguing the restrictions degraded Ukraine’s defensive operations against drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure.
European leaders in Brussels affirmed continued support, with French President Emmanuel Macron stating EU states would not abandon Ukraine and pledging aid for satellite and early warning systems.
The war will cost Europe €155bn next year, with €70bn needed for defence and weapons, said Zelensky to the European Council.
