Elon Musk confirmed SpaceX intentionally slowed Starlink internet in Ukraine, hindering military operations, after alleging the nation violated terms by using the civilian service for offensive drone strikes. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy later announced service restoration.
SpaceX owner Elon Musk confirmed that the company intentionally slowed its Starlink satellite internet network in Ukraine, significantly hindering military efforts critical for the nation's defense against ongoing Russian aggression. Musk stated on X that 'Using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people has never been allowed, nor should it be,' alleging that the 'Ukraine military violated Starlink terms of service and used it for offensive drone strikes to kill people,' a 'loophole' that was 'closed last week.' This decision followed a week-long disruption to combat operations, causing uncertainty and alarm among Ukrainian officials who reported lost drones and interrupted missions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later announced that connectivity across both Starlink and Starshield services had returned to previous levels, stabilizing military supply lines and strengthening countermeasures. Musk clarified that any adjustments to Starshield, the defense-focused Starlink variant, were directed by the U.S. government. He also defended SpaceX's broader efforts to support Ukrainian defense since the 2022 invasion. The service restoration coincided with renewed U.S. diplomatic efforts, including Russia agreeing to trilateral talks with Washington and Kyiv, and a local ceasefire brokered by Melania Trump in the Kherson region.
