Trump reportedly seeks Musk's help to restore Starlink services to Ukraine

President Trump has reportedly requested that Elon Musk remove limitations on Starlink satellite internet access for Ukraine, signalling a potential shift in the connectivity dispute that has persisted since Russia's invasion of the country.

The move comes as Ukrainian President Zelenskiy confirmed that Starlink speeds have not been restored to previous levels, underscoring ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainian forces and civilians relying on the satellite service for communications.

Zelenskiy indicated that Ukraine expects to hold talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the coming days, suggesting diplomatic efforts to resolve the matter. The Ukrainian leader has previously raised concerns about restrictions on Starlink usage, particularly regarding military operations and civilian infrastructure.

Elon Musk's SpaceX has provided crucial satellite internet connectivity to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, with Starlink becoming essential for maintaining communications in areas where traditional infrastructure has been damaged. However, questions about service limitations and their impact on Ukraine's defence capabilities have periodically emerged in public discourse.

The reported intervention by Trump represents a potential avenue for resolving the dispute, as the incoming administration seeks to engage with key technology leaders on matters of strategic importance.

Photo: A Support Forces of Ukraine soldier installs a Starlink terminal, July 2022. Support Forces of Ukraine Command via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).