Ukraine reports continued Starlink restrictions despite Trump’s restoration claim
Ukraine says restrictions on its Starlink and Starshield satellite networks remain, despite Donald Trump saying Elon Musk had restored the service. The discrepancy matters because Ukraine relies on the systems for battlefield communications and drone operations, including attacks and air defence.
Ukrainian defence ministry sources told the BBC that drones travelling at 161km/h (100mph) were experiencing connection losses, and said there was no confirmation that restrictions had been lifted. US and Ukrainian officials told the Wall Street Journal that service was running at higher speeds after Trump reportedly spoke with Musk, but some Ukrainian officials said it had not returned to full functionality. Volodymyr Zelensky also said speeds had not been restored; Musk has said any Starshield limits were decided by the US military and ultimately the president.
In short
- Ukraine reports satellite network restrictions remain.
- Drone connections have failed at 161km/h.
- Zelensky says speeds have not been restored.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Restoring full satellite connectivity could strengthen Ukraine’s battlefield communications, drone operations and air defence while helping it defend against Russian attacks. From this perspective, restrictions that disrupt Ukrainian systems impose a serious operational cost, and lifting them would support Ukraine’s ability to protect its forces and territory.
The case against
Those favouring limits could argue that satellite services used in combat, including for drone operations, carry risks of escalation or unintended consequences, so their use should remain subject to US oversight. If restrictions are set by the US military and ultimately the president, retaining some controls may be seen as a way to manage those risks while still allowing service at higher speeds.
Explained simply
Starlink is a satellite internet network run by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX. Ukraine uses it to connect troops and coordinate drones, while Starshield is a related system designed for government and military use.
The systems matter because mobile internet links help Ukrainian forces communicate and operate drones, including for defence and attacks. The US military has a role in setting limits on Starshield, and the disagreement over whether restrictions remain involves Ukrainian officials, Donald Trump, Elon Musk and US officials.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Ukraine say Starlink network is still restricted, despite Trump saying it was ‘back on’ and ‘it doesn’t matter’ who turned it off”.