Trump denies ordering restrictions on Starshield for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the service was being restored and that his partners had informed him that the administration and the White House had asked SpaceX to do so.
President Donald Trump—File Photo
President Donald Trump denied on Friday that he had requested a reduction in Starshield service for Ukraine, after Kyiv reported restrictions on a system it uses for combat communications and drone operations. "It wasn't me. And I don't think it was Elon," Trump told reporters, adding that, according to his information, the service "is the same as always."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the service was being restored and that his partners had informed him that the administration and the White House had asked SpaceX to do so. The restoration came after Ukraine reported speed limits affecting terminals installed on drones and military communications.
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Elon Musk explained on X that SpaceX does not control Starshield's restrictions: "Starshield systems are owned by the U.S. government. Any speed or usage limits are decided by the U.S. military and, ultimately, the president."
Ukraine uses Starshield for communications on the front lines, medium-range strikes against Russian-occupied territory and interceptor drones. Therefore, any limitation has an immediate operational impact and explains the alarm in Kyiv.
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"There are many targets that can be struck, but when you target diesel refineries—which we need and the world needs—you're not doing the world any favors," he added.
At the same time, Trump has called for a change in leadership in Ukraine following the breakdown of the energy truce that he himself had unilaterally announced. "I suggest they look for a new leader who is capable of reaching an agreement," the president told reporters last week. "… And I think it's time for Ukraine to have a new president."
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