Satellite Internet: SpaceX Cites Drone Rules for Ukraine Speed Cuts

Elon Musk confirmed on Saturday that SpaceX implemented speed limits on Starlink satellite internet in Ukraine. The company restricted the service to prevent its use in offensive drone strikes, a change that disrupted military logistics and communications for more than a week.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that access to Starlink and the military-grade Starshield system returned to previous speeds. He noted that the restrictions hampered front-line operations and that restoration began overnight, with full functionality achieved by Saturday morning. Zelenskyy said the return to normal speeds improved logistics and defence against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones.

Musk defended the decision on the social media platform X. He argued that Starlink is a civilian commercial service and that using it to kill people via offensive drone strikes was not allowed. He claimed the Ukrainian military violated the terms of service and that the company closed that loophole last week.

The situation created confusion regarding which entity controlled the changes. Musk maintained that the U.S. government controlled any modifications to Starshield, the military version of the system. He emphasized that SpaceX had supported Ukraine's defence efforts since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022. Ukrainian military and government officials had previously reported lost drones and disrupted missions due to the restrictions.

The resolution occurred during a renewed U.S. diplomatic effort to end the war. Russia agreed on Wednesday to resume three-way talks with Washington and Kyiv next month. Additionally, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to a localized ceasefire around Oleshky in the Kherson region, a deal brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.

The incident strained relations between Kyiv and Washington, which were already tense over a reported U.S. deal with Moscow regarding Russian diesel imports. Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara attributed the resolution to direct dialogue and Zelenskyy's diplomacy. He stated the outcome mattered most for the front, military drone work, logistics, and communications.

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

Fighting continued across the front line during this period. Local officials reported a missile attack on Lozova in the Kharkiv region that killed one man and wounded two others. Moscow-installed authorities in Crimea reported blackouts following overnight Ukrainian strikes. Ukraine's General Staff said it hit a chemical plant in Tolyatti and an electronics plant in Oryol, where three people died. Ukrainian drones also reached the Omsk region, more than 2,000 kilometres from the border, attacking an Ozon logistics centre without causing casualties.