White House order restricts satellite communications for Ukraine, Reuters reports
An order to restrict satellite communications for Ukraine originated from the White House, according to Reuters, limiting a system used for battlefield communication and drone control. The directive to slow SpaceX's Starshield services for Ukrainian forces was received by US defense leadership from the White House, though officials did not specify who issued it. A senior official denied President Donald Trump was involved, saying he never made such a request. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently reported Starlink restrictions, including drones being unable to operate above 160 km/h. The situation reportedly improved on October 15, and Senator Tom Tillis has called for a Pentagon investigation.