Ukraine says its military is still experiencing problems with the Starlink satellite internet network, despite US President Donald Trump claiming that Elon Musk has restored access after restrictions disrupted Ukrainian drone operations.
Sources within Ukraine’s defence ministry told the BBC that connection failures were continuing to affect military activities, including instances in which drones travelling at speeds of 161km/h (100mph) lost connectivity.
The reports raise questions about whether the restrictions have been fully removed, as reliable satellite communications remain critical to Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Trump said on Friday that he had heard the issue had been resolved but acknowledged that further intervention might be necessary.
“If there is a problem, I will get it straightened out,” he told reporters, adding that he had not spoken directly to Musk about the matter.
Ukraine Says Restrictions May Still Be in Place
The Ukrainian defence ministry sources said military officials were continuously monitoring the performance of both Starlink and Starshield, the more secure satellite communications service used for some Ukrainian military operations.
However, they said there was “currently no confirmation that these restrictions have been lifted”.
Last week, Ukrainian officials reported that uplink speeds to low-Earth-orbit satellites had been restricted, affecting the performance of military drones. According to the reports, drones travelling faster than 100mph were losing their connections.
Musk, who owns SpaceX, the company operating Starlink, previously denied being responsible for the slowdown. He suggested that Starshield, which is controlled by the US military, could be affected by decisions made within the Pentagon.
The White House has repeatedly denied deliberately restricting the network in Ukraine.
Trump also rejected concerns that Musk had accumulated excessive power, saying he did not believe the technology billionaire had too much influence.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had told Musk he was frustrated that Starlink speeds remained capped, and that performance improved following their conversation.
Why Starlink Is Critical to Ukraine’s Military
Starlink and Starshield provide satellite internet connectivity across areas where conventional communications infrastructure is unavailable, damaged or unreliable.
The two systems use a network of approximately 10,000 satellites to support communications, including operations on the battlefield.
Ukraine uses the civilian Starlink service and the more secure Starshield system for different military requirements. These technologies allow drone operators to receive information about targets in real time, coordinate operations and control interceptor drones.
The systems also help military units communicate quickly and share information across the battlefield.
One Ukrainian soldier told the BBC that there was “simply no alternative” to Starshield. The soldier said connectivity had recently been interrupted even while the unit was travelling in a vehicle at approximately 80km/h (50mph).
The soldier warned that a complete shutdown would be catastrophic and stressed the need for a backup communications system.
Another Ukrainian soldier said military personnel had returned to methods used before Starlink became available when the service began experiencing problems. However, the soldier emphasised that the network’s speed remained a major advantage.
Even a delay of one or two seconds can be critical when transferring operational data and orders, the soldier said.
Dispute Adds to Tensions Between Washington and Kyiv
The reported disruptions have emerged amid growing tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.
Kyiv argues that strikes against oil refineries are important because energy revenues help finance Moscow’s war effort. Trump, meanwhile, has said the attacks have contributed to higher global fuel prices, although the report notes that increases this year have primarily been driven by the war in Iran.
The dispute has also involved disagreements over US intelligence sharing. Zelensky said Washington had threatened to withdraw intelligence support if Ukraine did not halt the strikes, an allegation Trump subsequently denied.
The exchanges have become increasingly confrontational, with Trump suggesting Ukraine should have a new president and Zelensky questioning Trump’s leadership.
Earlier on Thursday, before Trump said the Starlink restrictions had been reversed, Zelensky indicated that the network’s speed had not yet fully recovered.
He said he was waiting for information from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had promised to respond within approximately 48 hours.
UK Calls for Continued Access to Satellite Communications
The issue has also prompted concern among Ukraine’s European allies.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with Trump on Friday evening. According to Downing Street, Burnham emphasised the importance of ensuring Ukraine retained full access to Starlink so it could continue defending itself against Russia’s invasion.
The discussion highlights the wider strategic importance of satellite communications to Ukraine’s military capabilities and the risks associated with relying on technology operated by a private company.
Although Trump has said Musk restored the service, Ukraine’s continued reports of disruptions suggest that questions remain about the network’s performance and the status of the restrictions.
Questions Remain Over Reliability and Backup Systems
Starlink has become a crucial part of Ukraine’s battlefield communications, supporting drone operations and the rapid exchange of information between military units.
The latest disruptions have exposed the vulnerability that comes with depending on a satellite network whose operation can be influenced by decisions outside Ukraine’s control.
For Ukrainian forces, restoring consistent connectivity is an immediate priority. The reports have also renewed calls for alternative communications systems that could help maintain military operations if Starlink or Starshield becomes unavailable.
Until Ukraine confirms that the network is functioning reliably, uncertainty over satellite access is likely to remain an important concern for its military and international partners.
