US says Starlink limits lifted; Ukraine sees no change

The United States claims Starlink speed restrictions have been lifted, but Ukraine reports it does not observe this change. The dispute follows reports that President Donald Trump called SpaceX founder Elon Musk to restore satellite communications over Ukraine. Journalists reported Trump contacted Musk on October 21 requesting removal of Starshield restrictions in Ukraine, after speeds were limited to roughly 160 km/h. Trump neither confirmed nor denied the call, saying it does not matter who called. Ukrainian presidential advisor Serhiy Beskrestnov stated on October 23 that no lifting of restrictions has been detected, attributing occasional faster speeds to SpaceX algorithm quirks. The restrictions caused Ukrainian drones to lose connection and fall, with losses exceeding one million dollars and operations paused for three days. US Senator Richard Blumenthal has launched an investigation into who holds authority over Starshield capabilities, while Republican Senator Kevin Cramer expressed concern about Musk's influence on national security.