Trump denies involvement in Starshield restrictions for Ukraine
President Donald Trump of the United States has stated that he did not order any restriction on Ukraine’s access to the Starshield military satellite system operated by SpaceX. He also expressed doubts that the decision to impose restrictions was made by the company’s owner, Elon Musk.
This was reported by Bloomberg, citing statements made by the US President during a conversation with journalists on Friday, October 16.
“I don’t think it was me, and I don’t think it was Elon,” — said Trump, commenting on the problems with satellite communications experienced by Ukrainian forces.
The US President did not specify who exactly could have made the decision to restrict the system’s operation or whether it was coordinated with other representatives of the US administration.
Earlier, a senior US official also told Bloomberg that Trump had not issued any instructions to restrict Ukraine’s access to Starshield.
According to the agency’s source, no such order came from the President. However, this does not exclude the possibility that the decision was made by another official or government agency of the United States.
Media reported on orders from the White House
Starshield restrictions were recorded by Ukrainian forces on the night of October 14. According to Ukrainian specialists, satellite terminals began to lose connection when moving at high speed.
In particular, the limit was approximately 160 km/h. In some cases, communication was lost already at speeds around 80 km/h.
The changes complicated the operation of Ukrainian drones, including interceptor drones used to counter Russian air attacks.
According to media reports, Ukrainian forces had received no advance warning of the new restrictions.
On October 16, reports emerged that the order to change Starshield’s operating conditions could have come directly from the White House.
According to US and Western officials, Pentagon leadership was instructed to limit the satellite system’s capabilities for the Ukrainian military.
However, the sources could not specify who in the US administration made the decision or who was responsible for its implementation.
Thus, Trump’s claim of personal non-involvement does not resolve the contradiction between reports of an order from the White House and the President’s denial of participation.
Musk placed responsibility on US military
Following the emergence of information about the restrictions, Elon Musk stated that the Starshield system is under the control of the US government.
In a post on social network X, he stressed that decisions to limit speed and the use of military satellite communications are made by the US military, with ultimate authority resting with the President of the United States.
“Any speed or use restrictions are set by the US military and ultimately by the President of the United States,” — wrote Musk.
At the same time, the head of SpaceX separately highlighted the difference between Starshield and the commercial satellite service Starlink.
Starshield is designed for government and defense customers and uses the technological infrastructure of the SpaceX satellite network. The system is used for secure military communications and drone control.
According to Bloomberg, the US government has its own Starshield network operated by US government agencies. Simultaneously, SpaceX provides military communication services using its own Starlink infrastructure.
Therefore, the question of who technologically can impose restrictions for different categories of terminals remains crucial for establishing the circumstances of what happened.
Ukraine reported restoration of satellite communications
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine previously criticized the Starshield restrictions and warned that deteriorating satellite communications could lead to loss of life.
According to him, Ukrainian interceptor drones use satellite communications to counter Russian drones, and any restrictions directly affect air defense capabilities.
Subsequently, Ukrainian representatives reported gradual restoration of the system’s operation.
On October 15, sources in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine confirmed the resumption of Starshield operations. However, initial reports on the complete lifting of speed restrictions varied.
UK representatives also stated that Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth confirmed the restoration of Ukraine’s access to satellite communications. However, the reasons for the initial restriction were not explained.
It remains unknown who authorized the Starshield restrictions and for what reason they were imposed.
Trump denies any involvement and doubts Musk’s participation. The SpaceX chief himself points to the authority of the US military and government, while media sources link the order to the White House.
Based on materials from: Bloomberg, Axios, Deutsche Welle.