Trump Circle Cut Starlink Access to Ukrainian Drones Before Reversing It
· World · Hindustan Times, The Economist
The Trump administration cut Ukrainian drones' access to Starlink satellite internet last week, causing one unit to lose $1 million worth of drones when a 160 kph speed limit was imposed on connections. No official in the administration has acknowledged ordering the move; it appears to have originated from a small circle around President Trump, Elon Musk, and special envoy to Russia Steve Witkoff. Reports suggest Musk imposed the restriction to punish Ukraine for striking Russian refineries and contacted the White House only afterward. By October 22 the links were restored without speed limits, according to Ukrainian commanders. An American government source said Trump is not trying to force a Ukrainian capitulation but is the victim of a successful Russian information operation and is panicked by poor polling ahead of the midterms.
Why it matters
The episode shows how a private contractor and a handful of presidential advisers can abruptly degrade Ukraine's battlefield capabilities, raising doubts about the reliability of U.S. security commitments.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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