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Trump says Musk restored Ukraine Starlink access
BBC News·
US President Donald Trump said Elon Musk restored Ukraine's Starlink internet access after restrictions hampered Kyiv's forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said military Starshield speeds were not back to 400 km/h yet. Trump declined to confirm calling Musk but said he put it back. The networks rely on about 10,000 low Earth orbit satellites for battlefield drone operations.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Ukraine's drone operations depend on satellite speeds that were recently capped near 160 km/h.
- Connectivity limits can affect interceptors defending against Russian attacks.
- US political pressure on Kyiv's oil refinery strikes sits behind recent service disputes.
What's Happening
- Trump said Musk restored Starlink after restrictions affected Ukraine's military link.
- Zelensky said full 400 km/h speeds were not restored and he awaited Marco Rubio's update.
- Reports said Trump called Musk; the White House had denied ordering restrictions.
Drones and battlefield connectivity
- Ukraine uses civilian Starlink and military Starshield for communications and drones.
- Musk said the US government controls Starshield access designed for the Pentagon.
- Ukraine first reported a US intelligence sharing interruption on 14 October.
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