Musk says he was behind Starlink speed restriction in Ukraine
Elon Musk confirmed that SpaceX restricted Starlink internet speeds in Ukraine to prevent the military from using the service for offensive drone strikes. The decision sparked controversy, though Ukrainian officials later reported that service speeds have been restored.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the immense power private tech companies hold over modern warfare and international geopolitical conflicts.
KYIV, Ukraine — Elon Musk said on Saturday that his company SpaceX had throttled the Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine, disrupting operations that the country relies on to defend itself against Russia.
Musk’s admission on social media came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine’s access to Starlink and Starshield satellite links has been restored to the speeds it had before restrictions that disrupted front-line operations for more than a week.
Questions have persisted since last week about who ordered the interruptions to the Musk-made satellite internet system that Kyiv has relied on for years to counter Moscow’s attacks .
“The speeds are now where they need to be,” Zelenskyy wrote on X, adding that restoration began overnight and were sufficient by Saturday morning, improving front-line logistics and defense against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones.
Headlinne story · 8 newsrooms
SpaceX Restores Ukraine Starlink Connection After Elon Musk Restricts Satellite Speeds
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