In brief
Elon Musk asserted that the United States, not SpaceX, sets limits on the speed of Ukraine’s Starlink-based communications, a claim that sits amid growing tension between Kyiv and Washington. In late‑night 2026, Ukraine reported new restrictions that capped link speeds at 100mph, disrupting drone guidance and air‑defence coordination. Ukraine’s leadership, including President Zelensky and a former defence minister, appealed to Musk for faster service, hinting that these limits are politically motivated rather than technical. Musk reiterated that Starshield, the military‑grade version of Starlink, is controlled by the US government and cannot be used for offensive operations. The incident underscores the broader geopolitics of satellite internet and the vital role such technologies play for war‑torn regions and communities worldwide.
Elon Musk has said the U.S. Army and President set the limits on Ukraine’s satellite‑based communications, not his company.
Starlink, the broadband constellation spun up by SpaceX, is a lifeline for Kyiv, allowing the command of drones and protecting its skies. However, on Tuesday night Ukraine reported a sudden speed cut that capped data transfer to 100mph (160km/h). Any weaponry or aircraft moving faster than that lost connectivity, hampering battlefield operations.
Zelensky’s adviser, Serhiy Beskrestnov, said the restrictions were not a coincidence and pointed to the strain between Kyiv and Washington. Ukrainian officials, including former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, called on Musk for a swift reset, praising the rapid restoration that eased pressure by Wednesday evening.
Musk, writing on X, explained that Starshield, the military‑grade version of Starlink, is owned and controlled by the U.S. government. “Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS,” he said. He added that Starlink is for civilian or defensive use and cannot be employed for offensive military action, as that would be “inappropriate for a commercial company.”
Despite the clarifications, the U.S. government has not officially commented on the move. The affair comes as Russia carried out lethal strikes on Kyiv, targeting energy and communications infrastructure, leaving over 600,000 people without power and unprotected from drone raids.
Earlier this week, President Zelensky accused the U.S. of betraying his nation when Washington supposedly agreed to allow Russia to import 300,000 tonnes of diesel. He noted that his feeling of betrayal was complicated by more than emotions alone.
The episode highlights how satellite internet can become a focal point in international politics, influencing both military outcomes and the daily lives of millions who rely on that connectivity for survival, education, and cultural preservation.
