Updated

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on October 16 that Ukraine's military Starlink and Starshield satellite network has not been fully restored despite reported White House intervention with SpaceX. He said reduced connection speeds have prevented Ukrainian forces from intercepting Russian jet-powered Shahed drones, disrupted strikes on occupied territory, and delayed food and water deliveries to frontline troops. Ukraine is awaiting official confirmation from the Pentagon and SpaceX that service has been fully restored. The Telegraph reported Elon Musk had suggested the restriction to Trump, which both men denied ordering, while Germany demanded Berlin-funded Starlink equipment be restored and Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick warned Congress could cut funding over the issue. Nine US senators requested an investigation into the disruptions, which they said endangered American personnel, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe has no near-term replacement for Starlink, with a secure EU satellite alternative unlikely before 2027. Zelensky said Ukraine has no plans to replace Starlink and stressed it also relies on intelligence from dozens of other countries.