Elon Musk admits SpaceX slowed Starlink in Ukraine over drone strikes

SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk acknowledged that his company slowed down the Starlink satellite internet network in Ukraine after accusing the military of breaking terms of service by launching offensive drone attacks. ## What Happened Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that connections for both Starlink and its military variant, Starshield, returned to normal speeds after over a week of restrictions that hindered military operations and forced mission cancellations. Presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov reported that speeds had previously been capped at 160 kph, while the defense ministry noted connections later stabilized above 400 kph. Musk defended the action on social media by stating that using a civilian commercial service for offensive drone strikes was never allowed, adding that a loophole was closed. ## Reaction and Fallout Musk also criticized critics, referring to them as virtue-signaling warmongers and expressing contempt for those pushing for endless slaughter without realistic solutions. The service limits coincided with a US diplomatic push involving a proposed energy ceasefire and a deal to purchase Russian diesel, which strained ties between Kyiv and Washington. US President Donald Trump stated he would resolve lingering issues if disruptions persisted, while reports indicated previous US administrations had also requested SpaceX to toggle Starlink access in various countries. ## Context Satellite internet networks like Starlink have served as critical infrastructure in modern armed conflicts where traditional ground-based communication lines are frequently destroyed or jammed. Commercial communication systems are generally bound by strict commercial terms of use, creating legal and operational boundaries when deployed in active war zones.