Ukrainian military access to the Starlink satellite internet service has not been fully restored, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amid reports that the United States limited the service on orders from inside the White House. The restrictions have affected Starshield, the military version of the SpaceX product used by Ukrainian forces.
After meeting European Union leaders in Brussels, Zelenskyy expressed concern that the reduced speeds on Starlink represented a “very dangerous and unpleasant surprise,” especially given Ukraine’s reliance on the system to support air defense against Russian drones.
White House Connection and Mixed Statements
According to Reuters, two U.S. officials and a Western official briefed on the matter confirmed the throttling order came from within the White House, though the identity of the official responsible was not disclosed. The Pentagon was reportedly informed that the SpaceX Starshield service for Ukraine’s military needed to be slowed. While SpaceX manufactures Starshield, it remains under U.S. government control.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump denied responsibility for the limitations, stating that neither he nor Elon Musk was accountable and that no U.S. restrictions had been imposed. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy conveyed that while Starshield had not yet returned to previous speeds, steps to restore full capabilities were underway.
Context of Broader Tensions and Ukraine’s Funding Appeal
The Starlink issue comes amid broader tensions between Zelenskyy and Trump, who publicly criticized Ukraine’s renewed strikes on Russian oil facilities as a “disgrace” for driving up world oil prices. Analysts have attributed major disruptions in diesel exports more to U.S.-Israeli actions against Iran, though the war in Ukraine remains a significant factor.
During his EU talks, Zelenskyy requested an additional €70 billion in funding for Ukraine’s 2027 defense and resilience needs, describing the amount as realistic. The EU Commission president agreed that a funding gap exists but anticipated contributions from other international partners. These negotiations coincide with debates over the use of Russia’s €210 billion in frozen EU assets to support Ukraine’s financial requirements.
Ongoing Conflict Impacts and Ukrainian Government Response
On the day of the EU meeting, Russian attacks killed at least eight people and injured 60 across Ukraine, damaging shopping centers and causing power outages affecting over one million people. Zelenskyy was met with applause from EU leaders and reported “only support” when asked about calls for reduced criticism of Trump.
The Ukrainian defense ministry remains in contact with partners to address Starshield access, seeking to restore internet speeds vital to ongoing military operations. The situation highlights the complex interplay of military technology, international politics, and financial aid amid the ongoing conflict.
