Musk Admits SpaceX Slowed Starlink Service in Ukraine

SpaceX owner Elon Musk confirmed on Saturday that his company deliberately reduced internet speeds for the Starlink service in Ukraine. The company restricted the satellite network for more than a week, causing disruptions to military operations. Musk made the admission in a post on the social media platform X. He stated that SpaceX was responsible for the changes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that access to Starlink and Starshield links had returned to previous levels. Zelenskyy wrote on X that speeds were now sufficient for front-line needs. He noted that the restoration process began overnight and was complete by Saturday morning. The higher speeds improved logistics and defenses against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones.

Musk defended the decision to slow the service. He argued that using a civilian commercial system 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 the terms of service by using the network for such attacks. He said the company closed that loophole last week.

Musk distinguished between the two satellite systems involved. He maintained that the U.S. government controls changes to Starshield. Starshield is the military-grade version of Starlink that supports Ukraine's drone operations and communications. The restrictions on Starshield alarmed Ukrainian military officials. Commanders reported lost drones and disrupted missions during the period of reduced speeds.

The restoration of service comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war resume. Russia agreed on Wednesday to hold three-way talks with Washington and Kyiv next month. On Friday, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to a localized ceasefire near Oleshky. The town is in the southern Kherson region and is occupied by Russia. U.S. First Lady Melania Trump brokered that specific ceasefire agreement.

The episode increased strain between Kyiv and Washington. The relationship is already tested by a reported deal between President Donald Trump and Moscow on Russian diesel imports. Ukrainian officials viewed that deal as a betrayal. Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara credited direct dialogue for resolving the speed issue. He said the outcome mattered most for military drones, logistics, and communications.

U.S. leaders offered mixed statements on the role of the administration in the decision. Trump said he did not make the call but that Musk should not be blamed. Vice-President JD Vance hinted at coordination between the White House and Musk. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied any administration involvement in the speed restrictions.