Burnham raises Ukraine Starlink access with Trump

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 20:15 · Archive

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pressed Donald Trump on the need for Ukraine to have full access to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite system.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pressed Donald Trump on Ukraine's access to Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite communications system. Burnham raised the issue directly with the US president after restrictions were placed on Kyiv's use of the service. Ukraine relies heavily on Starlink for military communications and to help intercept Russian missile and drone strikes, but experienced significant speed restrictions last week that notably reduced its defensive capabilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Trump and Musk of 'deliberately' blocking his country's access to Starshield, the military-grade version of the system, and said the situation has not been fully resolved despite Trump's claims otherwise. Musk has suggested the order to restrict the system came from the White House, though the Wall Street Journal reported that the tech billionaire was behind the throttling.

Downing Street said in a statement that Burnham 'underlined the importance for Ukraine to have full access to Starlink so they can continue to defend themselves against Russia's full-scale invasion'. The statement added that Burnham recognised Trump's work to bring Putin to the negotiation table and that the leaders agreed to work together to end the conflict.

How it is being reported

• Burnham asks Trump about Ukraine’s Starlink access in phone callDowning Street says Andy Burnham "underlined the importance for Ukraine to have full access to Starlink " during a phone call with Donald Trump on Friday.The Independent · 23 Oct, 20:00
• Andy Burnham tells Donald Trump to give Ukraine full access to Starlink satellite system to fight against Vladimir Putin warThe new PM risks a clash with Trump over Ukraine's access to Elon Musk's vital satellite systemEvening Standard · 23 Oct, 19:52
• Andy Burnham slaps down Donald Trump over Elon Musk Starlink's Ukraine betrayalIn a call to US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Andy Burnham stressing the need for Ukraine to have the best chance to defend itself, Downing Street has said tonightThe Mirror · 23 Oct, 19:42

In this story: Andy Burnham · Donald Trump · Elon Musk · Volodymyr Zelensky · Ukraine · Russia · SpaceX · Starlink

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