Elon Musk admits restricting Starlink internet access in Ukraine

Billionaire Elon Musk has confirmed that his company, SpaceX, deliberately restricted Starlink satellite internet speeds in Ukraine, disrupting military operations during the country’s ongoing war with Russia.

The admission came on Saturday, October 24, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Starlink and Starshield services had been restored following more than a week of restrictions.

According to an Associated Press report, Musk defended the restrictions, accusing Ukrainian forces of violating Starlink’s terms of service by using the civilian satellite network for offensive drone attacks.

“Using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people has never been allowed, nor should it be,” Musk stated.

He maintained that the Ukrainian military had breached the company’s rules, prompting SpaceX to close what he described as a loophole.

However, Musk said the United States government controlled changes involving Starshield, the military-focused satellite communications system used by Ukrainian forces.

The restrictions reportedly affected frontline communications, drone operations and military logistics, raising concerns among Ukrainian commanders.

Confirming the restoration, Zelenskyy said, “The speeds are now where they need to be.”

Ukraine’s Defence Minister, Yevhenii Khmara, credited diplomatic engagement with Washington for resolving the disruption.

The controversy has intensified questions about Ukraine’s dependence on privately operated satellite communications technology during the war.

Meanwhile, the restoration coincides with renewed diplomatic efforts involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States to negotiate an end to the conflict.