The Starshield military communications system, which is the military version of the satellite-based Starlink communication network, is active again in Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump announced this news on Thursday.
Impact of Restrictions
This announcement came after the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump asked technology billionaire Elon Musk to restore this service, which is vital for Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion. In response to reporters' questions about the report, Trump said, "I don't want to comment on whether I called or someone else called — it doesn't matter."
He also noted that "it seems he has restored this service," referring to Musk. However, Kyiv has not yet confirmed whether the speed restrictions on this system have been lifted.
Tensions Between Washington and Kyiv
Relations between Washington and Kyiv have recently faced tensions, especially after Trump called for the replacement of Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine. Zelensky criticized an agreement that allows Russia to export more diesel to global markets.
Meanwhile, Kyiv has raised questions about Washington's support for information sharing and rumors that the White House may have imposed restrictions on Starshield. Reports indicate that Elon Musk had limited the connection speed of Ukrainian equipment to the satellite-based network, rendering some offensive and defensive drones nearly useless.
Reports suggest that Musk and Trump discussed the decision regarding Starlink in a call. One source claimed that Musk spoke with several senior officials in the government, including Trump, before imposing the speed restrictions.
Musk responded to this report by stating that "any restrictions on speed or use" of Starshield, which is operated by his company, SpaceX, "are determined by the U.S. military and ultimately the President." Trump and then-Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the Pentagon had not issued any orders in this regard.
A senior European official told the AP that Ukraine has not received a clear official explanation regarding who imposed the restrictions and why.
U.S. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal announced on Thursday that he has initiated investigations into this matter.
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