Ukraine says Starlink still restricted despite Trump claim — SkimNews
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- Ukraine is still recording drone connection losses on Starlink at speeds over 161km/h, according to defense ministry sources, contradicting claims that restrictions were lifted.
- Donald Trump said Elon Musk had 'put back' Starlink access in Ukraine but declined to confirm whether he personally contacted Musk about the issue.
- Elon Musk stated that Starshield is controlled by the US military, implying the Pentagon may be responsible for the connectivity restrictions affecting Ukrainian operations.
- Ukrainian defense ministry sources said there is no confirmation that Starlink or Starshield restrictions have been lifted, despite reports of restored service.
- Volodymyr Zelensky said system speeds had not been fully restored and was awaiting follow-up from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the matter.
- The Wall Street Journal reported Trump expressed frustration over capped Starlink speeds, after which service reportedly began returning to normal.
Why it matters: Ukraine’s military effectiveness hinges on reliable drone connectivity, and unresolved Starlink restrictions—amid conflicting claims from Trump, Musk, and Kyiv—create operational uncertainty at a critical moment in the war. The lack of clarity over who controls access raises risks for battlefield coordination.
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