Ukraine says military Starlink speeds remain capped despite reported Trump-Musk call
A Ukrainian official told the Kyiv Independent that military Starlink service remains capped at 161 kilometers per hour. The statement contradicted a Wall Street Journal report that Elon Musk restored normal service after a call with President Donald Trump. Trump would not confirm the call but said Musk had fixed the service.
A Ukrainian official said on Oct. 22 that the country’s military Starlink link remains limited to 161 kilometers per hour, rejecting reports that normal service had returned. The Wall Street Journal had reported that a Trump-Musk call led to restored functionality, while Trump declined to confirm the call but said Musk had resolved it.
The restriction first appeared without notice on Oct. 14. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied White House involvement, and President Volodymyr Zelensky said after an Oct. 20 conversation with Rubio that he was awaiting word on whether speeds could return to as much as 400 kph. No party has publicly taken responsibility.
The continued cap could affect Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who depend on faster links for drone interception and mid-range strikes, potentially shaping battlefield outcomes and local safety. Uncertainty over who imposed the limit may also influence how Kyiv and its partners view Starlink as a reliable military tool, while conflicting public accounts could complicate coordination and public trust. These are possible consequences, not established outcomes, and the situation may change if official explanations or restored speeds emerge.