Musk Suggests US Government Behind Starlink Restrictions in Ukraine
Elon Musk has said that speed and usage limits on Starshield systems are set by the US military and ultimately the president. Ukraine says the restrictions hamper its use of key defensive weapons.
Billionaire SpaceX owner Elon Musk suggested on Thursday, 15 October, that the US government could be behind the decision to limit the speed of SpaceX satellite technology used by Ukraine's military. Ukraine says the restrictions reduce its ability to use important defensive weapons in the war with Russia. The dispute adds to a crisis in Ukraine–US relations that risks overshadowing a meeting of European Union leaders in Brussels.
In a post on X, Musk wrote that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government, and that any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately the US president. He said Starlink is a commercial SpaceX service, limited to civilian or defensive activity and not usable for offensive military action, which he called inappropriate for a commercial company.
In further overnight posts, reacting to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's remarks about his relationship with US President Donald Trump, Musk appeared to suggest Zelenskyy should leave office, writing that it was "time to go". In a television interview with Piers Morgan, Zelenskyy said he felt "betrayed" by Trump's decisions and feared losing a strong partner.
Intelligence sharing
Trump denied on Tuesday that his administration had cut intelligence sharing. Zelenskyy, in an interview with US broadcaster NPR aired on Wednesday, said military advisers had received threats from the US that intelligence sharing could be restricted in future.
Europe's dependence on US technology
Reuters reported that Ukraine's problems with Starlink terminals and with US data warning of Russian ballistic missile attacks showed Europe has no ready-made alternative. Ukraine and Europe rely heavily on US systems for low-orbit satellite communications, provided by SpaceX through Starlink, and for space-based infrared sensing that feeds early-warning systems. Europe has nothing ready that Ukrainian soldiers could attach to their drones, although governments and companies are working on long-term options. Shares in European satellite operator Eutelsat jumped on Wednesday.
EU leaders meeting in Brussels on Thursday are focused on internal matters, including the bloc's next budget. Ukraine is expected to be discussed on Friday, when Zelenskyy joins the talks.
