Trump told Musk to lift Starlink restrictions in Ukraine — report

Ukrainian officials have firmly denied reports that U.S. President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk have restored Starlink speeds in Ukraine, stating that the military's internet service remains at a speed cap of 161 kilometers per hour. The claim, reported by the Wall Street Journal, cited a phone call between Musk and Trump on Oct.

21 as the reason for the improved Starlink functionality. However, a Ukrainian military official told the Kyiv Independent that all the claims were false and the speed cap remains in place, severely limiting crucial military operations. The official added that the 161 kph speed cap has been in effect since Oct. 14, when Starlink was suddenly disrupted without any official explanation.

No one has so far claimed responsibility for the move, and despite various speculations, no definitive answers have been provided. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also denied any involvement, stating that no one at the White House ordered any changes to the internet speed. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been waiting for a response from Rubio regarding the restoration of Starlink communications to speeds of up to 400 kph, but a definitive answer may take longer.