Musk: US Government, Not SpaceX, Sets Starlink Limits in Ukraine
SpaceX chief Elon Musk has said the military satellite system Starshield is controlled by the US government, and that any limits on it are set by the US military and ultimately the president. Ukraine's army had earlier reported communication disruptions.
Elon Musk, head of the US space technology company SpaceX, has said on the social network X that the US government, not his company, is responsible for restrictions on military satellite communications in Ukraine. The statement followed reports that Ukraine's army had run into limits on satellite internet service, which complicated and in some cases disrupted several combat operations. The issue matters for Ukraine's defence because the army uses these links to coordinate military operations.
Musk: the systems belong to the government
Musk stated that the Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. In his words, any speed or usage limits are set by the US military and ultimately by the president. In that context he pointed to US President Donald Trump.
The businessman also explained that Starshield, designed for military purposes, must be distinguished from Starlink, the civilian satellite internet service. SpaceX developed both systems, but different conditions apply to their use in Ukraine.
Reaction from Ukraine
Musk's statement came after a post by Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's former defence minister, who said Starlink service was being restored. Fedorov also stressed that fully lifting the Starshield speed limits would be particularly important for Ukraine's defence, and thanked Musk for the support so far.
Ukrainian defence officials suggest Washington itself may be responsible for the reduced connection speeds on some terminals. Ukraine's army uses these systems to coordinate military operations, including the operation of drones.
Political criticism
The Democrats, who are in opposition in the US, have criticised the Trump administration over the reports of communication disruptions. Concerns have also been voiced in Ukraine about possible limits on US intelligence sharing about Russian missile attacks, but Trump has denied that any such decision was made.
