Musk admits slowing Starlink in Ukraine

SpaceX has long been a critical infrastructure provider for Ukraine, but recent events have complicated that relationship. On Saturday, Elon Musk confirmed that his company deliberately slowed down the Starlink service in Ukraine.

Musk made the admission on X, acknowledging that SpaceX was behind the speed limits. The restrictions had caused significant disruption to operations that the country relies on for its defense against Russia. This disclosure came right after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that access to Starlink and Starshield links had returned to their previous speeds.

Zelenskyy stated that the slowdown hampered front-line operations for more than a week. He noted that the restoration began overnight and was fully sufficient by Saturday morning. This change improved logistics and the defense against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones. Questions about who ordered the interruptions had lingered since the previous week, given that Kyiv has relied on this system for years.

Musk defended the decision by citing the terms of service. He argued that using a civilian commercial service for offensive drone strikes to kill people was never allowed. He claimed the Ukrainian military violated these terms and that the loophole was closed last week. However, he maintained that the U.S. government controlled any changes to Starshield, the military-grade version of Starlink that underpins drone operations and communications.

The episode adds strain to the relationship between Kyiv and Washington. This tension follows a reported deal between U.S. President Donald Trump and Moscow regarding Russian diesel imports, which Ukraine viewed as a betrayal. Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara credited direct dialogue and Zelenskyy's diplomacy for the resolution. He said the outcome matters most for the front, military work, drones, logistics, and communications.

White House officials have offered mixed signals on their involvement. Trump said he did not make the call but that Musk should not be blamed. Vice-President JD Vance hinted at coordination with Musk, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied any administration involvement.

Fighting continued elsewhere as diplomatic efforts resume. Russia agreed on Wednesday to restart three-way talks with Washington and Kyiv next month. A localized ceasefire around Oleshky in the Kherson region was also brokered by First Lady Melania Trump. Meanwhile, local officials reported a missile attack on Lozova that killed one man and wounded two. In Crimea, blackouts followed Ukrainian attacks. Ukraine's General Staff said it hit a chemical plant in Tolyatti and an electronics plant in Oryol. Three people died in the Oryol attack. Drones also reached the Omsk region, where a logistics centre was struck with no casualties reported.