Washington:The United States is currently evaluating Ukraine's request for access to Starshield, a military satellite communications system. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that although discussions are ongoing, Ukraine does not currently have access to the service.

According to Anadolu Agency, Rubio clarified that Starshield is distinct from Starlink, a commercial satellite internet service, and emphasized that Starshield is a contract with the US military, unrelated to Ukraine. Ukraine has expressed interest in using the system to execute deep strikes inside Russia.

Rubio also addressed recent claims about disruptions to Starlink services in Ukraine, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested were deliberate. Rubio dismissed these allegations, asserting that neither he nor the White House had any involvement in such actions.

Ukrainian officials noted that restrictions on Starlink terminals had impacted drone operations. However, Rubio assured that the US had not instructed any reduction in Starlink speeds and that service levels had reportedly been restored.

US President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, denying any orders for service disruptions and downplaying any involvement from himself or Elon Musk, the owner of Starlink. Trump affirmed that the service remains unchanged.