Ukraine reports 500,000 without power as Starlink limits persist despite Trump's call to Musk

Ukraine says Russian strikes have left about 500,000 people without electricity, while limits on Starlink access persist despite a call from US President Donald Trump to Elon Musk. The two shocks, hitting Ukrainian energy infrastructure and military communications, land at a critical point in the Russia-Ukraine war.

For markets and policy makers, the episode shows how far Kyiv's battlefield capacity depends on a private US company, and how power-grid damage compounds that exposure. It also feeds a wider debate over Western leverage in the conflict.

What happened

Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure left roughly 500,000 people without power, according to Kyiv. The figure is the Ukrainian side's account and is not independently verified in the material available.

On communications, a report published on 21 October said Musk had ordered a slowdown of the military-grade version of SpaceX's Starlink service that Ukraine uses. The same report said the move crippled Ukraine's drones and sowed panic in Kyiv. A further report said the slowdown hurt Ukraine's ability to stop Russian attacks.

A report published on 23 October said Trump called Musk and expressed frustration over the slowdown. Limits nevertheless remain, according to the brief.

Key points at a glance

• About 500,000 people without electricity after Russian strikes, per Kyiv.
• Starlink slowdown reported on 21 October as ordered by Musk the previous week.
• Trump's call to Musk reported on 23 October.
• JD Vance's defence of Musk made on 22 October.

Why it matters

The episode matters because Ukraine's military communications rest on a service controlled by one private company, just as its power grid is under attack. A slowdown at the front and blackouts at home weaken defence and civilian resilience at the same time.

Investors and governments also see a precedent. Analysis published on 22 October said Ukraine's problems with Starlink and Starshield have accelerated demand for alternative satellite internet services, though few exist.

What did Washington say?

Vice President JD Vance said the controversy should not be reduced to blaming Musk, arguing that SpaceX is a private company and that the real issue is US policy toward Ukraine and Russia. He said it was understandable that Musk would not want to personally decide how deeply his company is involved in a war between two states. Vance also turned his criticism toward Europe, saying Europeans depend on American technology.

Where are the disagreements?

Responsibility remains contested. Reports differ on who ordered what and whether the call to Musk has changed conditions on the ground. Kyiv's figure on blackouts and the status of the restrictions may change as repairs and talks proceed.

What to watch next

The next developments turn on whether the Starlink limits are lifted in practice and how quickly power is restored.

• Any confirmation from SpaceX or the White House on the status of the restrictions.
• Official Ukrainian updates on the number of people without electricity.
• Moves by Kyiv and European governments toward alternative satellite providers.
• Further Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

No dates for these steps have been set in the available material.