WSJ: Trump Called Musk Over Starlink Speed Limits in Ukraine

US President Donald Trump reportedly called Elon Musk on Wednesday, October 21, and asked him to lift the restrictions on the military version of Starlink in Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing American and Ukrainian officials familiar with the matter. Evropeiska Pravda relayed the report.

According to the officials, the system worked in a more normal mode the very next day. Some Ukrainian sources noted that it had not regained full functionality but was running at higher speeds than while the restriction was in force.

Trump's irritation over the speed cap

The officials said Trump told Musk he was annoyed that the system's speed remained capped at about 160 km/h. They added that earlier this week Trump told his aides and allies he wanted the Starlink speed limit scrapped.

The Wall Street Journal had previously reported that Musk ordered Starlink services slowed down. It is unclear how involved Trump was in the discussions about that slowdown.

Senate probe and Zelensky's talks

Republican Senator Thom Tillis is launching an inquiry into the Pentagon's role in the problems with Starlink satellite communications that Ukrainian troops have faced. On October 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the Starlink situation, warnings of ballistic attacks and help with air defense.