Musk admits SpaceX slowed Ukraine's Starlink speeds

A critical lifeline for Ukraine's defense infrastructure was throttled by its provider, creating a sudden and dangerous gap in the country's ability to coordinate its front lines. Elon Musk publicly acknowledged on Saturday that SpaceX, his space technology company, deliberately slowed the Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine. This admission resolves a week of uncertainty regarding who ordered the interruption to a system that Kyiv has relied upon for years to maintain its defense against Russia.

The restrictions came to an end following an announcement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He confirmed that access to both Starlink and the military-grade Starshield satellite links had returned to their previous speeds. Zelenskyy stated that the slowdown had hampered front-line operations for more than a week. The restoration process began overnight and was sufficient by Saturday morning, which improved logistics and the country's defense capabilities against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones.

Musk justified the decision by arguing that a civilian commercial service should not be used for offensive purposes. He wrote on X that using Starlink to kill people via offensive drone strikes was never permitted under the terms of service. According to Musk, the Ukrainian military violated these terms, and the company closed this loophole last week. He maintained that the U.S. government controlled any changes to Starshield, the military version of the service that underpins many of Ukraine's drone operations and communications.

Despite his defense of the move, Musk highlighted SpaceX's broader role in strengthening Ukraine's defenses since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. However, the temporary restrictions on Starshield alarmed Ukrainian military and government officials. Commanders reported that the speed limits led to lost drones and disrupted missions, creating significant operational challenges on the battlefield.

This episode adds to the existing strain between Kyiv and Washington. The relationship has already been tested by a reported deal between U.S. President Donald Trump and Moscow regarding Russian diesel imports, a move Ukraine viewed as a betrayal. Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara credited direct dialogue and Zelenskyy's diplomacy with the White House for the resolution. He emphasized that the outcome was vital for the front line, the military, drone operations, logistics, and communications.

The restoration of full speeds arrives during a fresh U.S. diplomatic push to end the war. Russia agreed on Wednesday to resume three-way talks with Washington and Kyiv next month. Additionally, Kyiv and Moscow agreed on Friday to a localized ceasefire around Oleshky. This war-ravaged, Russian-occupied town in the southern Kherson region was the site of a ceasefire brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.

The U.S. administration's level of involvement in the decision remains a point of discussion. Trump stated that he did not make the call but suggested that Musk should not be blamed for the outcome. Vice-President JD Vance has hinted at White House coordination with Musk, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have denied any direct administration involvement in the technical changes.

Fighting continued across the region even as the satellite issue was resolved. Local officials reported that a man was killed and two others were wounded in a missile attack on Lozova in the Kharkiv region. Moscow-installed authorities in Crimea reported blackouts following overnight Ukrainian attacks. The Ukrainian General Staff announced it hit a chemical plant in Tolyatti that produces materials for rocket fuel and an electronics plant in Oryol that makes components for Russian missiles.

Three people died in the attack on the Oryol plant, according to local officials. Ukrainian drones also reached the Omsk region in Russia, a location more than 2,000 kilometres from the border. Online retailer Ozon confirmed that a drone attacked its logistics centre in that area, though the company reported no casualties.