Elon Musk Admits SpaceX Restricted Starlink Speeds in Ukraine as Service Is Restored

Elon Musk has acknowledged that SpaceX restricted Starlink satellite internet speeds in Ukraine last week, after the disruption reportedly affected frontline drone operations, military communications and logistics. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said access to Starlink and Starshield satellite links had been restored to their previous speeds by Saturday morning.

The restrictions raised concerns among Ukrainian military and government officials, who rely on the satellite systems to support operations against Russian forces. Questions had persisted over who ordered the changes and why the services were disrupted.

Musk Says Restrictions Targeted Offensive Drone Strikes

In a post on X on Saturday, Musk said Ukraine’s military had violated Starlink’s terms of service by using the civilian satellite internet system for offensive drone strikes.

“Using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people has never been allowed, nor should it be,” Musk wrote, adding that the loophole had been closed the previous week.

However, he maintained that the US government controlled any changes involving Starshield, the military-grade satellite system that supports Ukraine’s drone operations and communications.

Musk also defended SpaceX’s role in supporting Ukraine’s defence since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Zelenskyy Confirms Restoration of Satellite Services

Zelenskyy said the satellite links had returned to their previous speeds following restoration work that began overnight. By Saturday morning, the service was operating at levels he said were sufficient for Ukraine’s military needs.

He added that the improvement would help frontline logistics and strengthen defence against Russian Shahed drones, which are powered by jet engines.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara credited direct dialogue and Zelenskyy’s diplomacy with Washington for the outcome. He said restoring the services was crucial for frontline operations, drone activity, logistics and communications.

The restrictions on Starshield had alarmed military commanders, who reported losing drones and experiencing disrupted missions.

Starlink Dispute Adds to Tensions Between Kyiv and Washington

The episode added to existing tensions between Ukraine and the United States. Relations had already been strained by US President Donald Trump’s reported deal with Moscow on Russian diesel imports, which Kyiv viewed as a betrayal.

Trump said he had not made the decision to restrict the services and also argued that Musk should not be blamed. Vice President JD Vance suggested there had been coordination between the White House and Musk, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied any administration involvement.

The restoration came amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war. Russia agreed on Wednesday to resume three-way negotiations with the United States and Ukraine next month.

On Friday, Kyiv and Moscow also agreed to a localised ceasefire around Oleshky, a war-ravaged town under Russian occupation in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region. The ceasefire was brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump.

Russian and Ukrainian Strikes Continue

Despite the diplomatic developments, attacks continued on both sides.

A man was killed and two others were wounded in a missile attack on Lozova, in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, local officials said on Saturday.

Russian-installed authorities in occupied Crimea reported power blackouts following overnight Ukrainian attacks.

Ukraine’s General Staff said its forces had struck a chemical plant in Tolyatti, Russia, which produces materials used in rocket fuel. Tolyatti Mayor Ilya Sukhikh confirmed that industrial facilities in the city had been damaged in the overnight attack.

Ukraine’s military also confirmed a strike on an electronics plant in Oryol, which it said manufactures components for cruise and ballistic missiles used by Russia against Ukrainian cities. Local officials reported that three people were killed in Friday’s attack.

Ukrainian drones also reached Russia’s Omsk region in western Siberia, more than 2,000 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. Regional Governor Vitaly Khotsenko said the drones had reached a northern industrial hub.

Online retailer Ozon said on Saturday that a drone had struck its logistics centre in Omsk. The company reported no casualties. Ozon competes with Wildberries, whose facilities have also been targeted by Ukraine.