Trump administration restricted Ukraine's Starlink access, disrupting drone operations
The Trump administration ordered restrictions on Ukraine's access to the Starlink Starshield satellite system, disrupting ongoing military drone operations, according to a report citing US and Western officials. The restrictions were imposed without notice on October 14, 2026. SpaceX had previously limited Starlink connectivity for Ukrainian high-speed military drones to 160 kilometers per hour, hindering operations and exposing Kyiv to attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a "grave mistake" causing "many human losses." Pentagon officials received notice from the White House to slow the Starshield service, though the order's originator was not specified. Elon Musk stated only President Donald Trump could set Starshield speed limits, but a senior US official denied Trump issued the request. The restrictions come amid US pressure on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries, with Trump blaming Ukraine for global fuel price rises and threatening to suspend intelligence support and arms deliveries.