Trump denies limiting Ukraine access to Starlink network
Donald Trump has denied ordering restrictions on Ukraine’s access to Starshield, a military-grade satellite internet service, after a speed limit disrupted Ukrainian drone operations. The slowdown came amid tensions over Kyiv’s attacks on Russian oil refineries and raised concerns about Ukraine’s ability to defend itself from Russian strikes.
Starshield relies on SpaceX’s Starlink network and was designed for the Pentagon; Trump said he was unsure it had been restricted, while Elon Musk suggested the US government may have been responsible. The limit of 100mph (160km/h) cut connectivity for faster weapons, and Ukrainian officials said deadly attacks also struck communications and energy facilities, leaving about 600,000 people without power. US senators have called for an investigation, as European leaders discuss aid: President Volodymyr Zelensky said the war would cost €155bn next year, with at least €70bn needed from the EU for defence and weapons.
- Trump denies ordering Starshield restrictions in Ukraine.
- A 100mph speed limit disrupted faster Ukrainian weapons.
- US senators want an investigation into the network disruption.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A US administration could argue that control over a military-grade system requires safeguards, and that access conditions may be adjusted to protect national security or prevent the technology being used in ways the US considers escalatory. If the restriction was a technical or operational decision rather than a political order, investigating its cause would help establish responsibility before drawing conclusions.
The case against
Ukraine and its supporters could argue that restricting a communications system during a war risks weakening the country’s ability to defend itself and protect civilians, especially when Russian attacks are hitting infrastructure. Because the service supports Ukrainian operations and depends on a privately run network, they may also argue that any limits should be transparent, reliably governed and subject to oversight rather than imposed without clear explanation.