US President Donald Trump reportedly called SpaceX chief Elon Musk on Wednesday, October 21, urging him to remove restrictions on Ukraine's military-grade satellite internet service. The request followed disruptions to battlefield communications that affected Ukrainian drone operations. Connectivity improved after the conversation, although officials disagreed over whether full service had returned.
Trump Musk Starlink Phone Call
The reported conversation came after revelations that Musk had ordered restrictions on Starshield, the military-focused service built using Starlink technology.
According to US officials familiar with the discussion, Trump expressed frustration over limits affecting Ukrainian military equipment. The president had previously denied ordering the slowdown or knowing who authorized it.
On October 22, Trump said Musk had restored Ukraine's access but declined to confirm whether the two had spoken directly.
Ukraine Starlink Speed Restrictions
The restrictions reportedly prevented equipment travelling faster than approximately 100 miles per hour, or 160 kilometres per hour, from maintaining reliable satellite connections.
This disrupted certain Ukrainian offensive drones and interceptors used to counter Russian attacks. The restriction concerned the movement speed of connected equipment rather than ordinary internet download speeds.
Ukraine depends heavily on Starlink and Starshield for battlefield coordination, communications and drone missions.
Starlink Service Restoration in Ukraine
US and Ukrainian officials reported improved service on Thursday, October 22, shortly after the reported Trump-Musk conversation.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the restrictions had not been fully removed. Some officials confirmed better connectivity but warned that important operational limitations remained.
The uncertainty raised concerns about Ukraine's ability to maintain reliable communications during Russian attacks.
SpaceX and White House Conflicting Claims
Questions remain over who originally authorized the slowdown. Accounts involving SpaceX, the White House and US defence officials have differed.
Vice President JD Vance defended Musk's reluctance to become involved in military decisions without clear government direction.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio separately indicated that SpaceX could enforce its service agreements, highlighting uncertainty over operational authority.
US Senate Investigation Into Starshield
On October 22, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal announced a congressional inquiry into the restrictions and the Pentagon's reliance on SpaceX.
The investigation seeks to establish who authorized the service limitations, whether Ukraine received advance warning and what safeguards protect military communications.
Blumenthal has requested information from SpaceX and the Defence Department about contracts, operational control and decisions affecting battlefield connectivity.
The dispute highlights the growing importance of commercial satellite networks in modern warfare. Although Ukraine's connectivity has improved, questions surrounding private control of critical military technology remain unresolved.
