US President Donald Trump has denied ordering restrictions on Ukraine’s access to Starshield, the military-grade satellite communications network operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, after disruptions reportedly affected Ukrainian drone operations against Russian forces.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, October 23, 2026, Trump rejected suggestions that he had directed the restrictions, which Ukrainian officials say have weakened some of the country’s military capabilities.
“It wasn’t me and I don’t think it was Elon,” Trump said, referring to Musk, the billionaire who owns SpaceX.
The denial comes amid conflicting accounts over who introduced the restrictions and whether Ukraine’s access to the service has been fully restored.
Ukraine Reports Problems With Military Communications
Ukraine began experiencing difficulties with its Starshield equipment in mid-October, according to reports from Ukrainian officials and military personnel.
The restrictions reportedly affected satellite terminals installed on drones, where connectivity problems at higher speeds disrupted their ability to complete missions.
Ukrainian forces rely on satellite communications for battlefield coordination, drone operations and aspects of their air defence against Russian attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the restrictions affected Ukraine’s ability to use interceptor drones against Russian attack drones.
Although US President Trump has said access was restored, Zelensky indicated that the service had not returned fully to the required operational level.
Musk Says US Government Controls Starshield
Musk has previously argued that Starshield differs from Starlink’s civilian internet service because it is designed for military and government use.
He said the US government owns and controls Starshield and ultimately determines its permitted speed and usage.
The explanation has raised questions about whether the restrictions were imposed by American officials, SpaceX or through decisions involving both parties.
The Trump administration has issued differing explanations, with some officials denying government involvement and others pointing to the distinction between SpaceX’s commercial service and the military system.
Reuters also reported that a US Democratic senator had launched an inquiry into the disruption, seeking clarification about who authorised the restrictions and what safeguards exist when military communications depend on a private provider.
Zelensky Seeks Clarification From Washington
Zelensky has continued seeking explanations from Washington over the disruption and the future reliability of Ukraine’s satellite communications.
The Ukrainian president has warned that continued limitations could affect his country’s ability to defend itself against Russian attacks.
The issue has also highlighted Ukraine’s reliance on technology supplied by a company outside its direct control, particularly for drone operations and battlefield communications.
Ukraine has been exploring ways to strengthen its communications capabilities, although alternative satellite systems may not offer the same coverage and operational capacity.
Dispute Adds to Tensions Between Washington and Kyiv
The disagreement comes amid wider tensions over US support for Ukraine and efforts to bring Russia’s war against the country to an end.
The Trump administration has urged Kyiv to pursue a settlement, while Ukraine continues to seek military assistance and security guarantees.
For now, questions remain over who was responsible for the Starshield restrictions and whether the service has been fully restored.
The answers could have significant implications for Ukraine’s military communications and its dependence on US-controlled satellite technology as the war continues.
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