Ukraine has disputed US President Donald Trump’s claim that restrictions on its military satellite communications system have been lifted, raising fresh questions about the reliability of technology that plays a critical role in Kyiv’s war against Russia.
Trump said on Thursday that SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk had restored access to the system after reports that the US president contacted the billionaire to request the removal of restrictions affecting Ukraine’s military operations.
However, Ukrainian officials said the service had not returned to normal, with limitations continuing to affect the speed of military communications used by Ukrainian forces.
According to the Kyiv Independent, a Ukrainian official said on October 22 that the restrictions remained in place, contradicting reports that the system was functioning normally again.
“Overall, nothing has changed anywhere,” the official said, according to the newspaper.
The dispute centres on Starlink and Starshield, satellite communications services operated by SpaceX that Ukraine relies on for battlefield connectivity, drone operations and military coordination.
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RESTRICTIONS CONTINUE TO AFFECT DRONE OPERATIONS
The restrictions, which reportedly began on October 14, limited the speed at which Ukrainian military equipment could maintain a connection to the satellite network.
Ukrainian officials have said the speed cap of approximately 161 kilometres per hour has complicated operations involving drones, particularly those used to intercept Russian attack drones and conduct missions behind enemy lines.
Before the restrictions, Ukrainian forces could operate equipment at considerably higher speeds, according to reports.
The limitations have created additional risks for drone operators, whose aircraft can become more vulnerable to interception when their performance is constrained.
The disruption has also raised concerns about Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian aerial attacks, particularly as both sides increasingly rely on unmanned systems in the conflict.
Ukraine has depended heavily on Starlink since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The satellite network has helped maintain communications in areas where conventional infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.
TRUMP SAYS MUSK HAS RESTORED ACCESS
Trump told reporters on Thursday that Musk had restored the service, but declined to confirm whether he had personally spoken to the SpaceX chief.
“I don’t want to comment on it, whether I called or whether somebody else called, doesn’t make any difference, I guess. The bottom line… he put it back,” Trump said.
The Wall Street Journal had reported that Trump contacted Musk and asked him to lift the restrictions. According to the newspaper, the system subsequently began operating more normally, although some Ukrainian officials said it had not been fully restored.
The White House has denied ordering the restrictions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously said decisions concerning Starlink and Starshield rested with SpaceX and Musk rather than the White House.
Musk, however, has argued that Starshield is controlled by the US government, writing on X that restrictions on its speed and usage are determined by the US military and ultimately the president.
The conflicting accounts have left questions about who authorised the restrictions and who has the authority to remove them.
KYIV SEEKS CLARIFICATION FROM WASHINGTON
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sought further discussions with Washington over the limitations, which Kyiv says continue to affect military operations.
Zelenskyy said he hoped to speak with Rubio to clarify the situation and secure the restoration of the system’s full capabilities.
The disagreement comes amid strained relations between Kyiv and Washington over the direction of the war and efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict.
Trump has criticised Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries and has pushed for a settlement with Moscow. His administration has also faced questions over the extent of continued US support for Ukraine.
