World · India Bureau
Trump Denies Involvement in Ukraine's Starlink Service Disruption
Former US President Donald Trump has distanced himself and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk from responsibility for Ukraine losing access to Starlink satellite internet services. Trump made the statement while departing the White House for an official visit to Georgia.
LSN India ·
Trump addressed questions from reporters about the Starlink access issue, stating categorically that neither he nor Musk bore responsibility for the disruption to Ukrainian communications infrastructure. The remarks came as the former president prepared to travel to Georgia, underscoring the ongoing international dimensions of the Ukraine situation and the role of private sector infrastructure in geopolitical conflicts.
Starlink's satellite internet service has been critical for Ukraine's military and civilian communications since Russia's 2022 invasion. The platform, operated by Musk's SpaceX, has provided crucial connectivity in areas where traditional infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed by the conflict.
The clarification from Trump follows broader debate about the involvement of American political figures and technology executives in decisions affecting Ukrainian military capabilities. The former president has previously suggested he could broker a swift resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, raising questions about potential conditions or negotiations involving US-based technology services.
SpaceX and Musk have not issued immediate responses to inquiries regarding the service disruption or the circumstances surrounding any access limitations for Ukrainian users.