Trump says Elon Musk restored Ukraine's Starlink internet access amid conflict

US President Donald Trump announced that Elon Musk has restored Ukraine's access to the Starlink satellite internet service, which is crucial for Kyiv's defense systems, according to Al Jazeera and BBC reports.

Earlier in October, Ukrainian officials reported sudden restrictions on Starlink services that disrupted military communications and operations, leading to concerns about connectivity reliability.

Trump declined to confirm reports that he personally called Musk to request lifting the restrictions but emphasized that the service was restored. He denied ordering any limitations on Ukraine's Starlink access.

Elon Musk has denied responsibility for the restrictions, stating that the military-grade Starshield system is controlled by the US government and that usage limits are decided by US military authorities and the President, as reported by Al Jazeera.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that decisions about Starlink's speed and access are governed by a private commercial contract, according to Al Jazeera.

The connectivity issues occurred amid broader political tensions involving the US and Ukraine, including Trump's pressure on Ukrainian President Zelensky to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries and his waiving of some sanctions on Russia, moves that have been criticized by Ukraine and European allies, according to BBC.

The situation highlights the complex interplay between private technology providers, government policies, and military operations in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.