Gegset has dismissed allegations that the United States is responsible for limitations on the Starlink service in Ukraine. He stated, “We have not imposed any restrictions. There are service provision conditions that must be adhered to, and within those terms, Starlink has the right to make corresponding decisions. However, in our view, nothing has changed. We have not issued any directives or anything of the sort. Of course, we wish success to the Ukrainians,” he added.
According to reports from The Wall Street Journal citing American officials and sources familiar with the situation, billionaire Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, ordered the restrictions on the Starshield military service, causing confusion within former President Donald Trump’s administration. The newspaper noted that Musk discussed Ukraine with the President, both expressing discontent over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries.
Other media outlets have suggested that this decision likely stemmed from Musk. However, journalists indicated that Trump did not oppose it. Reuters, referencing its sources, reported that the directive to limit the Starlink military package came from the White House.
Context
- On October 14, reports emerged that Starlink terminals used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces began losing high-speed connectivity. Musk claimed that the restrictions on the military service Starshield were dictated by American military authorities and President Trump.
- By October 15, media reported that the service was restored, but the following day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the limitations had not been fully lifted.
