Europe seeks to cut US tech reliance after Starlink limits in Ukraine

European officials have intensified discussions on reducing their dependence on the US and American defense contractors following recent restrictions on Starlink access in Ukraine. SpaceX founder Elon Musk said the company acted after Ukraine allegedly violated its rules by using Starlink for drone strikes. The dispute, which has widened a public rift between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, was a major topic at the EU leaders' summit in mid-October. European officials are considering using existing government communication systems until a secure European satellite network becomes operational in several years. Officials acknowledge that any changes will take years due to deep reliance on US technology. US Vice President JD Vance criticized Europe's dependence, saying the conflict is political and strategic. Poland currently pays for Ukraine's Starlink services under annual contracts that renew in November-December.