Musk has restored access to Ukraine's Starlink network, Trump says
US President Donald Trump claims that Elon Musk has restored Starlink internet access for Ukraine's military following previous restrictions. While Ukraine's President Zelensky acknowledges ongoing connectivity issues, the situation underscores the influence of private satellite networks in modern warfare.
Why it matters
The reliance of sovereign nations on private technology infrastructure creates significant geopolitical dependencies and security risks.
Figure caption, Watch: Trump says Musk has restored Ukraine's Starlink internet access after row
Elon Musk has restored Ukraine's Starlink internet access, US President Donald Trump has said after restrictions hampered Kyiv's armed forces.
Trump made the comments after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said connectivity to the military-grade Starshield network, which is provided by Musk's satellite-based Starlink system, had yet to be fully restored.
Musk previously denied he was behind the slowdown, which affects Ukraine's ability to use drones to attack Russia and protect itself from attacks.
Trump refused to be drawn on a report that he had called Musk to ask him to lift restrictions to the service, but when asked about it he said: "Bottom line, he put it back."
The Trump administration previously denied instructing Musk's company to restrict access.
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