Elon Musk said Ukraine violated Starlink terms by employing the satellite network for offensive drone strikes, defending recent service limits that Kyiv said hampered its battlefield operations against Russia.
In posts on X, Musk argued SpaceX has done more than any other private company to support Ukraine, but reiterated that using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, to conduct offensive drone attacks “to kill people” was never permitted. He said a loophole enabling that use was closed last week.
Musk distinguished Starlink from Starshield, which he described as a separate system under U.S. government control, adding that how Starshield is used is up to federal authorities.
Musk also called Starlink essential to Ukraine’s defense because it resists jamming and destruction. He wrote that if Starlink were shut off, the front line would collapse immediately, calling it a statement of fact rather than a threat. He maintained Starlink was vital early in the war because it provided communications that Russia could not jam or destroy.
Last week, Musk said any limits on Starlink speed or usage for Ukraine are decided by the U.S. military and ultimately the president. He did not specify whether President Donald Trump, War Secretary Pete Hegseth or another official personally authorized the new restrictions or explain why they were imposed.
A person familiar with the situation said Ukraine received no advance notice before overnight restrictions took effect, despite relying on service contracted through the U.S. government until May 15, 2027. Ukrainian units learned of the change after connectivity problems and, upon contacting SpaceX support, were told Starshield service would be restricted on platforms traveling at speeds of 100 mph or more, the person said.
Trump told reporters Saturday he had spoken with Musk about the issue but offered no details.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense said Saturday it had regained broader Starlink access, with stable connections reported at speeds up to 250 mph. It remains unclear what triggered the slowdown. Ukrainian officials have accused both Trump and Musk of responsibility, even as hopes have resurfaced for negotiations to end the war.
Ukraine violated Starlink terms, Musk says
U.S. officials have denied ordering a slowdown. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and War Secretary Pete Hegseth both said the U.S. government did not cause the reduced performance.
Russia agreed Wednesday to resume three-way talks with Washington and Kyiv next month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this week he would consider ending the war by freezing the conflict along current front lines.
SpaceX, the White House, and the War and State departments were asked for comment.
