Musk says any limits on Ukraine’s Starlink access down to US, not his firm

Ukraine Seeks Answers After Starlink Speed Restrictions Disrupt Battlefield Operations

Ninoda.com – Ukraine has raised concerns after new speed restrictions affected the ability of some weapons systems to remain connected to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet network during operations against Russia.

The limits emerged on Tuesday night, when connections were reportedly restricted for equipment travelling above 100mph, or 160km/h. That threshold created difficulties for Ukrainian missions that depend on satellite connectivity, particularly drone operations and air-defence activity.

By Wednesday evening, Ukraine’s former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said access had been partly restored. However, he argued that removing the limitation completely had become essential to the country’s defence.

“Removing Starshield’s speed limit entirely is now critical for Ukraine’s defense.”

Fedorov thanked Elon Musk for his support and appealed for that backing to continue. Musk later responded by saying that Starshield, the military-focused counterpart to Starlink, is owned and directed by the United States government rather than SpaceX alone.

“Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS.”

Starlink and Starshield Serve Different Roles

The distinction between the two satellite services is central to the dispute. Starlink is a civilian internet system operated by Musk’s SpaceX. It relies on satellites in low Earth orbit and is designed to provide broadband access, including in isolated areas where conventional communications infrastructure may be limited or damaged.

Starshield is intended for government and military customers. Musk said its systems are controlled by the US government, suggesting that decisions on operational restrictions lie with Washington and the US military.

He also maintained that Starlink should remain limited to civilian or defensive purposes. In his response, Musk said the service could not be used for offensive military operations because that would be unsuitable for a commercial company.

The US government had not issued a public comment on the restrictions.

Connectivity Became a Battlefield Issue During Russian Attacks

The disruption came during a period of major Russian strikes on Ukraine. Officials said the attacks killed several people in Kyiv and damaged communications and energy facilities used by the Ukrainian military.

President Volodymyr Zelensky described the assault as among Russia’s largest attacks. He said Ukrainian forces had intercepted a significant share of the drones involved, but confirmed that some strikes still reached their targets.

At least 600,000 people across Ukraine lost electrical power. Residents also said they had received no warning before incoming drones struck, underlining how communications failures can quickly become a threat to civilians as well as military forces.

For Ukraine, reliable satellite access has become a practical part of defending its territory. Internet links can help units communicate, support drone navigation and assist efforts to protect airspace. Any loss of connectivity, even for a limited period or under specific operating conditions, can therefore have immediate consequences during an attack.

Kyiv Connects Restrictions to Tensions With Washington

Serhiy Beskrestnov, an adviser to Zelensky, said he did not believe the timing was accidental. He linked the development to the increasingly strained political relationship between Kyiv and Washington.

“It is clear that this action cannot be a coincidence and is related to the current political situation.”

The disagreement has unfolded as US President Donald Trump has shown growing frustration with Ukraine’s continued strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. Zelensky has said the United States threatened to limit intelligence sharing unless Ukraine agreed to Trump’s proposed energy ceasefire. Trump rejected that claim on Tuesday.

The debate illustrates the difficult balance facing Ukraine’s allies and technology providers. Kyiv needs advanced communications systems to withstand Russian attacks, while governments supplying support may seek to shape how equipment and services are used. The practical boundaries between defensive action, intelligence support and strikes beyond the front line can become especially contentious during an active war.

Zelensky Calls for Connectivity to Be Restored

Zelensky said Ukraine was seeking an explanation and hoped the disruption resulted from an error or technical failure rather than a deliberate decision.

“I hope that it’s a mistake, maybe (a) huge technical problem.”

During a one-day trip to London on Wednesday, Zelensky also addressed broader concerns about Ukraine’s relationship with the United States. Asked by journalist Piers Morgan whether he felt betrayed after the US reached an agreement with Russia to import 300,000 tonnes of diesel, he said the situation was more complicated than his personal feelings.

“Really yes… but it’s a little bit more complicated than just my emotions or my feelings.”

In London, Zelensky was welcomed at Downing Street by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and met King Charles. Before his arrival, No 10 announced plans to accelerate deliveries of lightweight multirole missiles for Ukraine. Those missiles have been used against Russian drones.

“We are behind you and that will not change.”

The episode has reinforced the importance of satellite communications in Ukraine’s war effort. As military operations increasingly rely on connected systems, technical restrictions can carry strategic consequences far beyond the companies that operate the networks.