According to Reuters on October 15, multiple sources said that the order restricting Ukraine’s use of the 'Star Shield' system came from within the White House.
According to two American officials and a Western official who attended a briefing on the matter, senior members of the US Department of Defense were notified to slow down the operation of the 'Star Shield' service provided to the Ukrainian military.
Above officials all required anonymity. They did not disclose who inside the White House made this decision, and they also did not specify who was in charge of carrying out the order.
"Star Shield" is a satellite communication system developed by SpaceX, Musk's space exploration technology company. It is considered the military version of "Starlink". The U.S. Department of Defense is the largest customer for the Star Shield system.
Ukrainian officials said earlier this week that the 'Star Shield' receivers installed on high-speed moving equipment did not function properly, affecting the performance of Ukrainian drones that rely on this system for navigation and control.
Musk stated on social media on the 14th that the "Star Shield" system used in Ukraine is owned and controlled by the U.S. government, and any restrictions regarding its speed or use are determined by the U.S. military or the president.
When asked about the orders restricting the “Star Shield” system, a senior U.S. official said: “The President has never made such a request.”
Regarding whether other officials in the Trump administration may propose such requirements, the White House has not responded.
Since US President Trump announced an agreement with Russia to supply diesel to the international market, the tensions between the leaders of the United States and Ukraine have further escalated. Trump publicly stated last week that it was time for Ukraine to elect a new president who could reach an agreement with Russia, and implied that Ukrainian President Zelensky should consider resigning or being replaced.
