Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused U.S. President Donald Trump of ordering a speed cut on Starlink services that disrupted Ukraine's ability to defend against Russian drones. The restriction, which reduced connectivity to 70 km/h, hindered Ukraine's interceptors and logistics, according to Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy confirmed that the speed cap, implemented by SpaceX, was proposed by Elon Musk to Trump. The move, which left Ukraine's military systems at a disadvantage, has raised questions about who was responsible. Both Musk and the White House deny involvement, but sources suggest Trump was aware of the restriction.
The incident has strained relations between Ukraine and the U.S., with Trump recently agreeing to a diesel deal with Russia. Zelenskyy urged European allies to support Ukraine, emphasizing the need for continued U.S. military aid. The Starlink issue highlights the challenges Ukraine faces in maintaining its defense capabilities.
Ukraine relies heavily on Starlink for battlefield communications and drone operations. The speed cut has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Ukrainian defenses and the reliability of U.S. support. Zelenskyy stressed that the restriction affected both military and civilian operations, underscoring the critical role of the technology in Ukraine's war effort.