SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Saturday accused the Ukrainian military of violating Starlink’s terms of service by using the civilian satellite internet service for offensive drone strikes intended to “kill people”. He said the loophole had been closed last week.
“Using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people has never been allowed, nor should it be,” Musk said in a post on X.
His remarks came after Ukraine’s access to Starlink and Starshield satellite links was restored to its previous speeds following restrictions imposed last week. The curbs had raised concerns among Ukrainian military and government officials, with commanders reporting lost drones and disrupted missions.
Musk acknowledged that he was responsible for the Starlink speed restrictions. However, he maintained that the US government controlled any changes to Starshield, the military-grade satellite communications system that supports Ukraine’s drone operations and military communications.
Musk also defended SpaceX’s role in supporting Ukraine’s defence since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
“Starlink remains critical to the defense of Ukraine, as it is the only system that cannot be jammed or blown up, at least for now. Were Starlink to be turned off, the Ukrainian front line would collapse immediately. This is NOT a threat, it is simply a statement of fact,” he said.
He further claimed that SpaceX had done more than any other private company in the world to defend Ukraine.
The speed restrictions added to tensions between Kyiv and Washington, whose relationship was already strained by US President Donald Trump’s reported deal with Moscow over Russian diesel imports. Ukraine reportedly viewed the move as a betrayal.
Trump has denied making the decision to impose the restrictions while also saying Musk should not be blamed. Vice President JD Vance has hinted at White House coordination with Musk, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have denied any involvement by the administration.
