In brief
Elon Musk has stated that the U.S. military controls Starlink limits affecting Ukraine’s battlefield communications. After Ukraine’s forces faced new speed restrictions, Musk reiterated that Starshield is U.S.‑controlled and any limitations are decided by Washington. The move comes amid heightened tensions between Kyiv and Washington over military aid and internet connectivity. Ukrainian officials alleged the restrictions were intentional, prompting calls for faster speeds to regain battle‑field coordination. The U.S. has yet to comment on the flag‑rant cyber‑commerce while the conflict deepens.
Elon Musk says any limits on Ukraine's Starlink speed are set by the US, not his company.
Starlink – the civilian satellite‑internet network – is critical for Ukrainian drones and air‑defence. A new speed cap of 100 mph halted the connectivity of any weapon travelling faster, disrupting battlefield operations.
An adviser to President Zelensky blamed Washington for the unexpected restrictions, saying they were likely intentional amid strained U.S.‑Ukraine ties.
Musk replied on X that Starshield, the military‑grade sister of Starlink, is owned and run by the U.S. government and that "any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS." He added that Starlink is for defensive or civilian use and cannot be used for offensive military action.
Ukraine’s former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov thanked Musk on X and urged the removal of the speed cap to restore full battlefield communications. Musk reiterated his stance, noting Starshield falls under U.S. control.
The U.S. has not yet issued a comment. Meanwhile, Russia carried out overnight strikes that cut telecoms and energy infrastructure, leaving over 600,000 Ukrainians without power and exposing the need for reliable satellite links.
Shortly after the restrictions, Ukraine’s leadership called the action a deliberate move linked to current political dynamics, further straining U.S.‑Ukraine relations. The debate over who controls vital military connectivity continues as the war enters its second year.
