Elon Musk Reportedly Ordered Starlink Slowdown Disrupting Ukraine’s Military Drone Operations
Elon Musk ordered restrictions on SpaceX’s military-grade Starlink satellite service in Ukraine on October 14, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday. The decision reduced connection speeds and disrupted Ukrainian attack and air defense drone operations against Russia. Citing U.S. officials and people familiar with the matter, the newspaper reported that Musk discussed the restrictions with President Donald Trump before and after their implementation. Reuters could not independently verify the allegations.
The slowdown followed escalating tensions between Washington and Kyiv over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. Trump has criticized those attacks amid concerns about rising diesel prices. However, U.S. officials offered conflicting accounts of who authorized the restrictions. Musk previously said the U.S. military and president controlled Starshield service limitations. Trump denied knowing who ordered the slowdown.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raised the issue during discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday. Zelensky said Ukraine needed full Starlink and Starshield service restored. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied that Washington had restricted access, suggesting service conditions could explain the disruption. The controversy highlights SpaceX’s critical role in military communications and growing uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Ukraine relations.
Why it matters
The dispute raises concerns about SpaceX's government contracts and geopolitical risks surrounding private satellite infrastructure. Continued tensions could also influence defense technology investment and European security spending.
