President Donald Trump has denied ordering restrictions on Space Exploration Technologies Corp.’s (NASDAQ:SPCX) satellite connectivity in Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says reduced speeds disrupted drone interceptions and other military operations.
Trump Denies Role in Starlink Restrictions
Speaking to reporters Friday, Trump rejected suggestions that he had directed the restrictions affecting Ukraine’s military access to Starlink and Starshield services, CNBC reported.
“I don’t know if it was anybody because it wasn’t me and I don’t think it was Elon,” Trump said, adding that, to his knowledge, the service remained as it had been.
Ukrainian officials said earlier this week that the restrictions disrupted military operations without prior warning. Starshield is a military-focused satellite communications service that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk says the U.S. government owns and controls.
Musk pointed to Washington’s authority over the system, while Reuters reported, citing U.S. officials, that the White House made the decision to limit Starshield connectivity. The report did not identify who issued the order.
The Telegraph separately reported that Musk had approached Trump about slowing Starlink in Ukraine, alleging that both played a role in the restrictions.
SpaceX did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.
Zelenskyy Says Speed Cuts Hampered Drone Interceptions
Zelenskyy said Ukraine does not use Starlink for attacks inside Russia but relies on the technology to intercept Russian attack drones targeting civilians.
“Starlink wasn’t turned off — its speed was reduced,” Zelenskyy said on X, explaining that the slowdown prevented Ukrainian forces from intercepting some jet-powered Shahed drones.
“We couldn’t use a tool that helps protect people. That’s very painful and frustrating,” he added.
Zelenskyy also said the restrictions affected Ukrainian strikes against military targets in Russian-occupied territories and drone deliveries of food and water to troops stationed on the front lines.
He said connectivity had not fully returned to its previous performance levels, although restoration efforts were underway.
Musk Faces Scrutiny Over Starlink Restrictions in Ukraine
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski criticized Musk over the restrictions, questioning whether he was using his products for political purposes.
Poland has purchased Starlink services for Ukraine.
The controversy follows Musk’s recent criticism of Zelenskyy after Trump called on Ukraine to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries.
According to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings, SpaceX continues to show positive price trends over the short, medium, and long term.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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