In brief
President Trump announced that Elon Musk had relieved a Starlink block that had slowed Ukraine’s drone and missile‑tracking systems. The claim followed reports from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that speeds had not yet returned to full capacity. Musk previously suggested that U.S. policy may have triggered limits on the military‑grade Starlink service, Starshield. Trump said he had pressed Musk to reverse the restrictions, a move coming as the U.S. has also lifted some sanctions on Russia and arranged diesel imports. The restored internet has been seen as a boost for Ukraine’s cyber‑combat capabilities during the war.
President Donald Trump announced that SpaceX founder Elon Musk had lifted a Starlink restriction that had been hindering Ukraine’s use of drones and missile‑tracking systems.
Following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s remarks that full speed had not yet returned, Trump claimed in an interview that Musk “put it back.”
Musk had previously said the U.S. government might have triggered the slowdown on the military‑grade Starlink service, Starshield, designed mainly for the Pentagon.
Despite U.S. officials stating they had not ordered a restriction, the collaboration between Trump and Musk reportedly succeeded in restoring connectivity.
The restored link is crucial for Ukraine, which relies on Starlink for battlefield communications and early warning systems during Russian missile attacks.
Some analysts note that the move comes amid a broader U.S. strategy of lifting sanctions on Russia and arranging diesel imports, which has drawn criticism from Kyiv and European allies.
