In brief
Ukraine reports that the Starlink satellite internet is still being throttled, hindering drone operations. President Trump said Musk had restored service, but defence officials have not seen any tangible improvement. The Starshield system is crucial for secure communication, and its restriction could be a strategic vulnerability. The dispute highlights tensions between Washington and Kyiv over US engagement in the war.
Ukraine’s defence ministry reports ongoing problems with the SpaceX‑run Starlink network, despite President Donald Trump saying Elon Musk had “put it back” following a row over slowed drone speeds.
The Ukrainian military says drones travelling above 100mph lose the satellite link, hampering real‑time targeting and interception operations. The issue arose after last week’s announcement that uplink speeds to the constellation were capped, forcing fast‑moving assets to disconnect.
Trump denied ordering Musk to impose restrictions on Starlink but admitted frustration that the service “still seems capped.” He warned that if the problem persists the president would speak directly to the billionaire.
Starshield, the military‑grade version of Starlink, is critical for Ukrainian forces, giving them secure, high‑speed communication that Russia’s satellites cannot intercept. Without it, commanders “feel it is an absolute catastrophe,” said a Ukrainian soldier.
The discord comes amid broader tensions between Kyiv and Washington over missile strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and a recent Russian‑state‑run satellite claim that Starlink is controlled by the Pentagon. The White House has repeatedly denied any intentional throttling.
While Trump’s comments may have eased pressure on Musk, defence officials stress they have not received any confirmation that the speed limits have been lifted and that they will continue monitoring performance.
