OMM Newsroom
Elon Musk has said that any limits on the speed or use of Starshield are decided by the US military and ultimately the US president, after Ukraine reported new restrictions affecting its battlefield operations.
The comments, reported by Reuters, came after Ukraine said unexpected speed limits had disrupted missions involving weapons connected to the “Starlink” satellite internet network.
“Starshield” is a military-focused service owned by Musk’s “SpaceX”. Musk said it is controlled by the US government and that restrictions on its speed or use are determined by the US military and ultimately the president.
Ukraine’s former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said connectivity had been partially restored by Wednesday evening. He called for the removal of “Starshield” speed limits, saying it was critical for Ukraine’s defence, and thanked Musk while seeking his continued support.
Musk replied on “X” that “Starlink” was intended for civilian or defensive activities and could not be used for offensive military action, which he said would be inappropriate for a commercial company. The US government has not commented.
“Starlink”, also owned by “SpaceX”, provides internet access through satellites in low Earth orbit, particularly in remote areas. “Starshield” is designed for government and military use.
The reported restrictions came as Russia launched attacks that killed several people in Kyiv and hit communications and energy facilities used by Ukraine’s military, Ukrainian officials said. At least 600,000 people across the country were left without electricity, while residents said they had received no warning of incoming drones before the strikes.
Serhiy Beskrestnov, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, wrote on “Telegram” on Wednesday morning that the restrictions could not be a coincidence and were linked to the current political situation.
US President Donald Trump has become increasingly frustrated with Ukraine as it continues strikes on Russian energy facilities. Zelensky has said Washington threatened to restrict intelligence sharing unless he agreed to Trump’s proposed energy ceasefire; Trump denied the claim on Tuesday.
Speaking during a visit to London on Wednesday, Zelensky said he had felt betrayed after the US made a deal with Russia to import 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel. Asked by British journalist Piers Morgan whether he felt betrayed, Zelensky replied: “Really yes... but it’s a little bit more complicated than just my emotions or my feelings.”
