By Mars Strangelove Jr.
October 22, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump called Elon Musk and asked him to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Starlink, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, citing U.S. officials. The satellite communications system, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, is used by Ukrainian forces for battlefield communications and drone operations against Russian forces.
According to the report, Trump expressed frustration that Starlink speeds remained capped at approximately 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour). The restrictions had disrupted Ukrainian military operations, including drone missions used to intercept Russian attacks.
The system began operating more normally on Thursday, shortly after the reported conversation between Trump and Musk, according to U.S. and Ukrainian officials cited by the newspaper. However, some Ukrainian officials said service had not been fully restored, although speeds had increased compared with the restricted levels.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier Thursday that Starlink speeds had not been fully restored. He also expressed hope for discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the coming days.
On Wednesday, Rubio said decisions concerning Ukraine’s access to Starlink rested with SpaceX and its chief executive, Musk, rather than the White House.
The reported phone call followed days of uncertainty over who ordered the restrictions. Musk had previously stated that Starshield, SpaceX’s military satellite service used by Ukraine, was controlled by the U.S. government, with decisions about its limitations ultimately resting with the U.S. military and the president. Trump had denied ordering the restrictions.
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