Trump Asks Musk to Lift Starshield Speed Cap on Ukraine as Origin of Slowdown Remains Disputed
Photo: The New York TimesPresident Donald Trump called Elon Musk and asked him to lift speed limits on Ukraine's use of Starlink and its military version, Starshield, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials. Ukraine said on Oct. 14 that speeds were capped near 100 mph (160 kph), cutting drones' connectivity so they stopped midflight. A Ukrainian commander said his unit lost over $1 million and missions slipped three days. After the call, officials said service worked more normally, though not fully; Zelenskyy said speed was not restored. Musk said the US military and president set limits; Trump denied involvement; Rubio said SpaceX decides.
Left-leaning outlets lead with downed drones and Ukraine's dependence, citing Zelenskyy's belief that US officials prompted the throttling. Alternative outlets stress the lack of Starlink rivals and the Trump-Musk call, citing the Journal and Ukrainian and US officials. Right-leaning coverage stresses conflicting reports on who ordered the slowdown, an unproven theory about consumer Starlink use, and Trump's anger at Zelensky over refinery strikes. All report that both men deny responsibility.
How the sides differ Left sources emphasize Ukraine's drone losses and dependence on Musk's networks; alternative sources stress the lack of alternatives and the call; right sources stress conflicting accounts of the cause.
Headline, comparison and summary written by AI from the articles below. AI can make mistakes, so check the original articles before relying on a detail.
The New York Times and CBS lead with drones falling when Starshield was throttled and Ukraine's dependence on Musk's networks, featuring Zelenskyy's belief and denials from Musk and Trump.
CNBC focuses on the absence of comparable Starlink alternatives and a commander's cost estimate; Investing.com (Reuters) reports Trump's call to Musk via the Journal, with Ukrainian and US officials.
Not covering this story. None of the right-leaning outlets Crosswire tracks has reported it yet. What one side leaves out can be as telling as what the others report.