Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent disputed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent claims that the Trump administration deliberately slowed the military version of Starlink satellite internet to hinder Ukraine’s drone operations. Zelensky had alleged that orders were issued to reduce satellite internet performance for objects moving at speeds above 160 kilometers per hour, a restriction he said impaired Kyiv’s battlefield communications.

Speaking to NBC News on Sunday, Bessent rejected the accusations, emphasizing that both former President Donald Trump and Senator Marco Rubio denied any involvement in such actions during their tenure. He described Zelensky’s allegations as “very reckless.”

The military-grade Starlink system has been a critical tool for Ukraine’s forces, providing reliable internet connectivity necessary for coordinating remote operations and drone flights. Zelensky’s comments suggested that the Trump administration had imposed limitations that disrupted Ukraine’s ability to use Starlink effectively in fast-moving combat scenarios.

Bessent’s statement reinforced denials from key figures in the previous administration, dismissing the notion that any directive was issued to intentionally degrade Starlink’s performance capabilities. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over the management and provision of military assistance to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.