In brief
Ukraine’s troops report a persistent slowdown in the satellite‑based Starlink network, even as former President Donald Trump proclaimed Elon Musk had lifted limits. Defence ministry sources noted drones losing link at speeds above 100 mph, hampering battlefield operations. Musk said the slowdown was not intentional while Trump has vowed to intervene. Ukrainian military officials remain unsured the restrictions have been removed, and the White House continues to deny deliberate throttling.
Ukraine’s defenders say the satellite internet service Starlink is still throttled, despite a statement from former U.S. President Donald Trump claiming that space‑tech entrepreneur Elon Musk had reversed restrictions.
Ministry of Defence officials told the BBC that drones operating at speeds above 161 km/h (100 mph) were repeatedly losing connectivity. Such interruptions, they added, are “critical” for coordinating air and ground missions.
Trump, speaking at a news briefing, stated that any limitations were lifted, and pledged to personally address the issue if service remained compromised. “If there is a problem, I will get it straightened out,” he said. He added he had not yet spoken to Musk but expected the changes to be effective.
Musk has denied that his company slowed the service, and the SpaceX CEO maintains that Ukraine’s use of the Starshield satellite system, which is rated for military communications, is independent of any United States government oversight.
Footage shows a Ukrainian soldier calling it “a catastrophic possibility” if connectivity were ceased permanently, underscoring the network’s strategic value. Another operator recalled returning to older, pre‑Starlink algorithms when speeds fell, stressing how even a second’s lag can alter battlefield outcomes.
The row over satellite speeds followed a diplomatic clash between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy about Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil facilities – a move that would strain U.S. sanctions policy.
While the White House has repeatedly denied any intentional limitation, Ukrainian officials remain unconvinced. The Ministry of Defence has not confirmed whether the restrictions have been lifted and continues to monitor the star‑link and Starshield bandwidth.
