Musk Claims SpaceX Slowed Ukraine's Starlink Links

SpaceX confirmed on Saturday that it reduced the speed of Starlink internet service in Ukraine.

Elon Musk stated in a post on X that the company was responsible for the slowdown. The restriction affected a system Ukraine relies on for defense against Russia. The admission followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's announcement that access to Starlink and Starshield had returned to previous levels. Zelenskyy reported that the limitations hindered front-line operations for more than one week. Questions persisted until Saturday regarding who ordered the interruptions to the network Kyiv has used since 2022.

Musk justified the decision by citing the terms of service for Starlink. He argued that using a civilian commercial service for offensive drone strikes was not permitted. "Using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people has never been allowed, nor should it be," Musk wrote. He claimed the Ukrainian military violated these rules and that the loophole was closed the previous week. Zelenskyy confirmed the speeds were restored by Saturday morning. He noted the fix improved logistics and defense against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones.

Musk distinguished between Starlink and Starshield. He maintained that the U.S. government controls changes to Starshield, the military-grade version supporting Ukraine's drone operations. Ukrainian military officials reported that the restrictions on Starshield caused lost drones and disrupted missions. The episode coincides with renewed U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the war. Russia agreed on Wednesday to resume three-way talks with Washington and Kyiv next month. Kyiv and Moscow also agreed on Friday to a localized ceasefire around Oleshky in the Kherson region, a move brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.

The situation adds tension to relations between Kyiv and Washington. These ties were already strained by U.S. President Donald Trump's reported deal with Moscow on Russian diesel imports. Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara credited direct dialogue and Zelenskyy's diplomacy for the resolution. He emphasized the outcome's importance for drones, logistics, and communications on the front. Trump said he did not make the decision but stated Musk should not be blamed. Vice-President JD Vance hinted at White House coordination with Musk. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied any administration involvement.

Fighting continued in the region. Local officials reported a missile attack on Lozova in the Kharkiv region that killed one man and wounded two others. Moscow-installed authorities in Crimea reported blackouts following overnight Ukrainian strikes. Ukraine's General Staff said it targeted a chemical plant in Tolyatti that produces rocket fuel materials. Ukrainian forces also hit an electronics plant in Oryol that manufactures missile components, killing three people. Ukrainian drones reached Omsk region, more than 2,000 kilometers from the border. Online retailer Ozon said a drone struck its logistics center there with no casualties.