US President Donald Trump rejected suggestions that he restricted Ukraine's access to Starlink's military counterpart Starshield after speed reductions limited drone operations and weakened Kyiv's protection from Russian assaults.

"It was not my decision and I do not believe it came from [Starlink owner] Elon [Musk]," Trump stated, shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that normal speeds had not yet returned.

Musk indicated the US administration might have imposed the limits, while Reuters reported Thursday that the directive originated within the White House.

Ukraine suffered multiple fatal strikes on Tuesday following the network slowdown.

Starlink provides civilian high-speed internet via Musk's SpaceX, whereas Starshield serves as its defense-oriented version built for Pentagon requirements.

The US had earlier cautioned it might withhold vital intelligence sharing if Ukraine continued strikes on Russian oil facilities.

Relations between Washington and Kyiv have grown strained over a recent contentious diesel agreement involving Russia and the US.

Zelensky, upset by the agreement, restarted attacks on Russian oil refineries this week despite criticism from Trump three days after a proposed energy ceasefire. Kyiv offered to halt if Moscow did likewise, yet Russia offered no confirmation and kept striking.

"If I do not confront this situation... who else will?" Zelensky asked EU leaders during a Friday summit.

Trump had previously described Zelensky as "more challenging to negotiate with than [Russian President Vladimir] Putin".

Yet when addressing reporters outside the White House on Friday, the US president affirmed a positive rapport with his Ukrainian counterpart.

Regarding Starshield, he expressed uncertainty whether any restrictions "ever took effect".

Musk had noted earlier that Starshield falls under US government oversight, suggesting the Pentagon could bear responsibility.

Reuters cited two unnamed US officials and a Western source in its account of the alleged Starshield directive.

The US government has permitted Ukraine to utilize Starlink and Starshield for its defense against Russia. Musk previously blocked Moscow's access in February, providing Kyiv an edge.

On Tuesday evening, Starlink imposed speed caps at 100mph (160km/h), disconnecting any faster-moving weapons from the system.

Around 600,000 residents in Ukraine lost electricity after communications and energy sites supporting the military were struck during the assaults.

A cross-party group of US senators issued a letter calling for an inquiry into the network interruptions.

"Restrictions reportedly weakened Ukraine's capacity for defensive actions against Russian drone and missile strikes on civilian sites," the letter stated.

On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged that EU nations would continue supporting Ukraine.

Macron addressed a two-day Brussels summit with Zelensky present, stressing Europe's duty to maintain resolve amid certain "uncertainties". The remark appeared aimed at indications of reduced US backing.

Support for Ukraine and preparations for another harsh winter, its fifth since Russia's 2022 invasion, led the summit discussions.

Zelensky informed the European Council that the conflict would require €155bn (£131bn; $174bn) next year, with at least €70bn needed from the EU for defense and arms.

Macron indicated Europe is assisting Ukraine with satellite and alert systems, and allies would review further aid requests.