Musk Confirms SpaceX Throttled Ukraine's Starlink Speeds

Elon Musk confirmed on Saturday that SpaceX intentionally reduced the speed of the Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine. The restriction, which lasted for more than a week, disrupted operations that the Ukrainian military relies on to defend against Russian forces. Musk made the admission in a post on the social media platform X.

The revelation followed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's announcement that access to Starlink and the military-grade Starshield network had returned to previous levels. Zelenskyy noted that the slowdown hampered front-line logistics and defense against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones. He stated that restoration began overnight and was complete by Saturday morning.

Musk defended the decision by arguing that Starlink is a civilian commercial service. He wrote that using it for offensive drone strikes to kill people had never been allowed under the terms of service. Musk claimed the Ukrainian military violated these rules and that SpaceX closed the loophole last week. He maintained that the U.S. government, not SpaceX, controls changes to the separate Starshield military network.

The incident has added tension between Kyiv and Washington. Strains in the relationship were already present due to a reported deal between President Donald Trump and Moscow regarding Russian diesel imports. Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara credited direct dialogue and Zelenskyy's diplomacy for resolving the speed issue. He emphasized that the outcome was vital for the front line, drone work, and communications.

U.S. officials have offered mixed accounts of their involvement. Trump said he did not make the call but argued that Musk should not be blamed. Vice-President JD Vance hinted at White House coordination with Musk, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied any administration involvement in the decision.

The restoration of speeds coincides with renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war. Russia agreed on Wednesday to resume three-way talks with the U.S. and Ukraine next month. Additionally, Kyiv and Moscow agreed on Friday to a localized ceasefire around Oleshky in the Kherson region, a move brokered by First Lady Melania Trump.

Fighting continued on the ground during the dispute. Local officials reported that a missile attack on Lozova in the Kharkiv region killed one man and wounded two others. Ukrainian forces struck a chemical plant in Tolyatti and an electronics plant in Oryol, where three people died. Drones also reached the Omsk region, more than 2,000 kilometers from the border, attacking a logistics center for the online retailer Ozon without causing casualties.