Trump says he will talk to Musk if Ukraine's Starlink issues persist

Ukrainian officials have reported that speed restrictions on Starlink services persist, despite US President Donald Trump's earlier assertion of their complete removal. This development has sparked concerns about Ukraine's capacity to utilize satellite communications for military purposes against Russia.

During a White House press conference, Trump refused to confirm whether he had spoken with Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, about the issue, but pledged to address it if required. He stated, "If there is a problem, I'll get it straightened out."

Earlier, Trump had claimed that Ukraine's access to Starlink had been restored. However, Ukrainian officials disputed this, maintaining that speed restrictions were still in place. Trump defended Musk, asserting his trust in the billionaire and his fairness, despite concerns about the private company's influence over communications vital to Ukraine's military operations.

The dispute revolves around Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, and Starshield, its military-focused communications system. Ukrainian officials have alleged that restrictions on the military-grade system have hampered the use of certain drones behind the Russian frontline and impacted air defense systems used to counter Russian attacks. These restrictions have further exacerbated tensions between Washington, Kyiv, and Musk over accountability for managing access to the technology.

Trump and Musk's relationship has been tumultuous, particularly following Musk's role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) last year, which aimed to reduce government spending. However, relations seem to have improved recently, with Musk attending a White House state banquet in September.