The military communications system Starshield, which is crucial for the Ukrainian military, was reportedly restricted by US entrepreneur Elon Musk, according to various US media reports. However, according to statements made by US President Donald Trump, the system has now been “returned.”
The restriction alleged by US media was detailed in a report from the Wall Street Journal, which claimed that President Trump had ordered the lifting of these limitations. While Trump stated he would not confirm whether he or anyone else had contacted Musk, he expressed his belief that Musk has reactivated the system.
Starshield, run by Musk’s company SpaceX, is extremely important for the communication of Ukrainian armed forces on the front lines, playing a vital role in controlling and defending against drones. Initial reports from US media suggested that these limitations caused some Ukrainian drones to cease functioning.
However, a Ukrainian official told The Kyiv Independent that the claims regarding the removal of the throttle are false, asserting that speed restrictions are still in effect. Musk had previously stated that any limitations placed on the Starshield system are decided by the US military and ultimately by the US President. This specific statement has since been contested by Defense Minister Pete Hegseth and President Trump.
