President Donald Trump has firmly denied allegations that his administration restricted Ukraine’s access to the Starshield satellite network, a move that reportedly hampered Kyiv’s defensive capabilities during recent Russian drone and missile strikes.
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has complained of speed restrictions, Trump stated clearly, 'It wasn't me and I don't think it was Elon Musk.' The controversy arises amid a broader diplomatic friction between Washington and Kyiv.
The U.S. had previously cautioned Ukraine against targeting Russian oil refineries, a stance Trump reiterated after Kyiv resumed these strikes following a dispute over a U.S.-Russia diesel deal.
Musk, whose SpaceX operates the Starlink and military-grade Starshield systems, has suggested that the Pentagon—which manages Starshield—may have been responsible for the connectivity adjustments.
Reports from Reuters citing government officials suggest the order originated from within the White House, though the President remains skeptical that the service was ever compromised.
As a bipartisan group of U.S. senators calls for an investigation into the network disruptions, the situation highlights the precarious nature of relying on private-sector technology for military operations.
Meanwhile, President Zelensky continues to press European leaders for massive financial and military aid, even as the administration balances its support for Ukraine with its own strategic interests and a desire to avoid further escalation in the region.
Tags
