In brief
President Trump has denied authorising a reduction in the speed of the Starshield internet service used by Ukraine, an action that came after a brief cyber‑restrictions period that hampered Ukrainian drones. The restriction, reportedly ordered from Washington, followed a series of deadly attacks that also damaged power and communication networks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cited the slowdown as weakening Kyiv’s defensive capabilities as the United States considers a ceasefire on energy infrastructure. A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has called for an investigation into the disruption, while European leaders reaffirmed full support for Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump has denied that he authorised any restriction on Ukraine’s use of the Starshield network, a military‑grade service built on SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet. The claim comes after a brief slowdown that capped data speeds at 100mph, effectively severing the link to high‑speed drones and other quick‑moving assets.
Trump told reporters outside the White House that he had no hand in the order and that it was unlikely to have come from Elon Musk, SpaceX’s owner. He added that he was “not sure it ever came down,” suggesting uncertainty about the chain of command behind the move.
The restriction follows a series of lethal strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure that left around 600,000 civilians without power and disrupted military communications. Ukrainian officials, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, have blamed the slowdown for weakening Kyiv’s defensive response to Russian drone and missile attacks.
Reuters reports that the order originated inside the White House, with remarks from senior U.S. officials indicating the Pentagon may have issued it. Musk himself has suggested the U.S. government might have been responsible.
Amid the turbulence, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators has demanded an investigation into the disruption, arguing that the limitations have degraded Ukraine’s ability to conduct defensive operations. The letters also cite damage to civilian and military communications and energy facilities during the recent attacks.
Zelensky’s frustration is part of a broader tension in Washington, stemming from a controversial diesel deal between Russia and the United States. Trump has called for a ceasefire on energy infrastructure, a move that has drawn criticism from Kyiv, which insists it will halt attacks on Russian oil refineries only if Moscow does the same.
European leaders, particularly President Emmanuel Macron of France, have reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine. At a recent Brussels summit, Macron emphasised that Europe must “hold the line” amid what he described as wavering U.S. support.
The war has cost Ukraine an estimated €155 bn next year, with the president noting that at least €70 bn should come from the EU for defence and weapons. Macron outlined plans for European assistance in satellite and early‑warning systems, citing Ukraine’s call for further aid.
