- Category
- World
Trump Reportedly Asked Musk to Reconsider Starlink Restrictions in Ukraine
Prefer U24 Media on Google
- Authors
![Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko]( "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
-c439b7bd9030ecf9d5a4287dc361ba31.jpg "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
US President Donald Trump called Elon Musk on October 21 to request the removal of speed limits on Starshield, the military-grade version of Starlink, in Ukraine. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal on October 22, citing US and Ukrainian officials.
The starshield system appeared to be working more normally on October 22, soon after the call took place, according to The Wall Street Journal.
We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the speed restrictions on Starlink and Starshield terminals remain in effect. Speaking to journalists before a meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on October 22, Zelenskyy noted that work on resolving the issue is ongoing, Ukrinform reported.
He added that he is currently awaiting information from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding both the Starlink situation and deliveries of Patriot interceptor missiles, expecting a response in the coming days following their earlier discussion.
Trump also informed his aides this week that he wanted to lift the restrictions on the system's operation in Ukraine, as the speed caps were preventing certain Ukrainian drones from effectively countering attacks during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Economist journalist Oliver Carroll noted that Ukrainian drone unit commanders confirmed the removal of restrictions on Starlink operations, adding that tests are currently underway.
On October 14, 2026, Ukrainian forces were forced to cancel drone missions after new restrictions on SpaceX’s Starlink satellite communications disrupted connections during flight, with some unmanned aircraft losing contact for up to 20 seconds at speeds as low as 110–120 km/h.
Units from the 7th Air Assault Corps operating in the Huliaipole sector experienced severe connectivity issues, which made remote control more difficult and increased operational risks.
Furthermore, overnight testing by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense identified specific speed restrictions preventing the military-oriented Starshield service from functioning at speeds exceeding 160 km/h.
Discuss this article:
-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
-a1738cb523135070a26ed61c09a8eb5e.jpg "Police stand in front of the Russisches Haus in Berlin, Germany. (Source: Getty Images)")
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
