Trump says Musk has restored access to Ukraine's Starlink network

Key Points:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that connectivity to the military-grade Starshield network, part of Musk's Starlink satellite system, had not yet been fully restored, affecting Ukraine's military operations.
• Former President Donald Trump reportedly called Elon Musk to request lifting restrictions on Starlink speeds, which were limiting Ukraine's drone capabilities; Musk had previously denied causing the slowdown.
• Trump linked the connectivity issues to his pressure on Zelensky to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries, citing concerns over rising fuel prices, and has taken steps such as waiving some sanctions on Russia and importing Russian diesel, actions criticized by Ukraine and European allies.
• Starlink and Starshield networks, using thousands of low Earth orbit satellites, provide critical communications for Ukraine, with Starshield being a more secure, Pentagon-controlled system.
• The Wall Street Journal reported that Starlink speeds improved shortly after Trump's call to Musk, though this report has not been independently confirmed by the BBC, the White House, or SpaceX.