WSJ: Musk and Trump Discussed Starshield Restrictions on Ukraine

SpaceX founder Elon Musk ordered restrictions on Ukraine's use of Starshield, the military version of the Starlink satellite communications system, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal. The matter is significant because Ukraine's armed forces rely on these communications in the war with Russia, and it is unclear whether the move was coordinated with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The sources said Musk's decision caused panic in Kyiv and confusion inside the Trump administration. As the uproar grew, SpaceX representatives contacted their White House counterparts to agree on a statement saying the company and the administration had coordinated their actions.

Musk and Trump's conversation

Two sources said Musk and Trump discussed the decision by phone shortly after the restrictions became public. One source added that the two had also talked about the issue before the restrictions were imposed.

Some officials say Musk acted unilaterally and that Trump gave no specific order. However, a source familiar with the situation said Musk had spoken with several senior administration officials, including Trump, before imposing the limits.

What happened earlier

On October 14, Ukrainian forces reported restrictions on their Starlink terminals, specifically the military version, Starshield. Among other things, the restrictions disrupted Ukrainian military missions.

Two days later, Trump said he had not ordered restrictions on Starshield in Ukraine and did not know who could have done so. The Telegraph, citing four sources, reported that Musk had approached Trump with a proposal to limit Starlink speeds in Ukraine. One of the newspaper's sources said Trump agreed.