Zelenskyy says Starlink restrictions for Ukraine came from US government

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: President's Office

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the signal to restrict Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, and Starshield, its secure satellite communications system, in Ukraine came from the US government.

Source: Zelenskyy on NBC's Meet the Press, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "The message came from the government. I don't know from whom, what cabinet, etc… It was a message from the American government to limit this speed and technically SpaceX did it."

Details: Zelenskyy was asked to clarify whether the system's operation has been fully restored.

"No. Of course not. We have limitations. The speed is maximum 161 km/h," he replied.

Background:

  • Speaking at the White House on 16 October, Trump said he does not believe that either he or Musk is responsible for Ukraine losing access to Starlink. The Pentagon has not publicly explained the reasons for the restrictions.
  • According to The Telegraph, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk approached Donald Trump with the idea of slowing down Starlink operations in Ukraine.
  • On 17 October, Zelenskyy said a test conducted by Ukraine in EU countries has confirmed that the restrictions on its use of Starlink have been imposed as part of a planned operation.
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Trump administration "has nothing to do" with the restriction of Starlink's operation in Ukraine.

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