Starshield system is ‘back’ in Ukraine, says Trump

Ukraine's Starshield military communications system has returned to active use, according to US President Donald Trump, who said Thursday that he had restored the service after the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had asked tech billionaire Elon Musk to do so. Trump declined to comment on whether he personally called Musk or someone else did, stating that it ultimately came down to the US military and President Trump.

The Journal had previously noted that Musk had imposed speed limits on Starshield connections, rendering some Ukrainian drones ineffective. While defense secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Tuesday that the Pentagon had not directed any changes, Trump reiterated on Wednesday that he did not intervene. Ukraine relies on Starshield for battlefield communications, mid-range strikes against Russia-occupied areas, and interceptor drones.

The service also complements SpaceX's civilian Starlink satellite system. Tensions between the US and Ukraine have risen recently, with Trump calling for President Volodymyr Zelensky's removal following his criticism of a US deal allowing more Russian diesel fuel into global markets.