SpaceX Confirms Ukraine Internet Throttle

Elon Musk confirmed on Saturday that SpaceX implemented speed restrictions on the Starlink satellite internet service operating in Ukraine. This admission clarifies a period of operational uncertainty for Kyiv, which relies heavily on the network for defense coordination against Russia.

The revelation came immediately after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that access to both Starlink and Starshield had returned to previous levels. Zelenskyy noted that the limitations had negatively impacted front-line activities for over seven days. The issue had raised questions about accountability, as Kyiv had depended on this infrastructure for years to maintain communication lines in the conflict.

Zelenskyy stated that the speeds were now appropriate for military needs. He explained that the restoration process began overnight and was complete by Saturday morning. This fix improved logistics on the front lines and enhanced the defense against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones.

Musk defended the decision to limit speeds. He argued that using a civilian commercial service for offensive drone strikes to kill people was never permitted. He claimed that the Ukrainian military had violated the terms of service by employing the system for such attacks and that the loophole was closed last week.

However, Musk maintained that the U.S. government controlled changes to Starshield, the military-grade version of the technology. He emphasized SpaceX's role in bolstering Ukraine's defenses since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The temporary restrictions had alarmed Ukrainian officials, with commanders reporting lost drones and disrupted missions.

This development occurs during a new U.S. diplomatic effort to end the war. Russia agreed on Wednesday to resume three-way talks with Washington and Kyiv next month. Additionally, Kyiv and Moscow agreed on Friday to a localized ceasefire around Oleshky. This arrangement was brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump and concerns a war-ravaged, Russian-occupied town in the southern Kherson region.

The incident added tension between Kyiv and Washington. Relations were already strained by a reported deal between 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 was crucial for the front, military operations, drone work, logistics, and communications.

Trump stated he did not make the decision but argued Musk should not be blamed. Vice-President JD Vance hinted at coordination between the White House and Musk. In contrast, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied any administration involvement in the matter.

Combat continued during this period. Local officials reported that a missile attack on Lozova in the Kharkiv region killed one man and wounded two others. Moscow-installed authorities in Crimea described blackouts following overnight Ukrainian strikes. The Ukrainian General Staff announced hits on a chemical plant in Tolyatti, which produces rocket fuel materials, and an electronics plant in Oryol. Three people died in the Oryol attack. Ukrainian drones also reached the Omsk region, more than 2,000 kilometres from the border, where retailer Ozon said a drone hit its logistics centre without casualties.