Musk Blames US Government for Ukraine Starlink Speed Limits

Elon Musk has indicated that the US government may be behind recent speed restrictions imposed on the Starlink internet network, which have hampered the operation of Ukrainian weapons. The limitations, which began Tuesday night, initially capped speeds at 100mph (160km/h), effectively disconnecting any equipment traveling above that threshold. By Wednesday evening, former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov noted that some functionality had been restored, though he emphasized that fully removing these limits remains vital for Ukraine’s defense.

Addressing the situation on X, Musk clarified that while SpaceX owns Starlink, the military-oriented Starshield service operates under different oversight. He stated, “Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS.” Musk added that his commercial company cannot facilitate offensive military actions, limiting the network to civilian or defensive purposes. I don’t know, but we are asking to… switch [it] on. About an hour later, Musk replied to that post, defending his company’s involvement. While both companies are owned by Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink is a civilian service that uses satellites in low Earth orbit to provide internet access, particularly in remote areas, while Starshield is designed for government and military use.

The service disruptions occurred as Russia launched a major aerial attack against Ukraine, hitting critical communications and energy infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the strikes as one of the largest such operations, causing power outages for approximately 600,000 people. Although many drones were intercepted, several struck their targets, leaving citizens with little warning. In the early hours of Thursday, regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported that Russian strikes also claimed the lives of two people in the Dnipropetrovsk region. According to at least 600,000 people across Ukraine were left without electricity, and residents, They received no warning of incoming drones before they hit.

Ukrainian officials view the connectivity issues with suspicion. One adviser to President Zelensky, Serhiy Beskrestnov, suggested the timing was not coincidental and linked the constraints to the strained diplomatic relationship between Kyiv and Washington. President Zelensky had previously expressed hopes that the service limits were merely a technical error, publicly pleading for the network to be switched back on. Including from Zelensky who told UK media: “I hope that it’s a mistake, maybe [a] huge technical problem, musk – writing on X – had been responding to pleas from Ukrainian officials to restore connectivity. Late on Wednesday, Musk wrote on X, responding to a post saying that Zelensky would not end the war until Russia was defeated, “And so the slaughter continues … Time for Zelensky to go”.

Political friction has intensified between the two nations. President Zelensky recently visited London, where he met with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and King Charles. During this trip, he admitted feeling betrayed by a US deal allowing for the importation of Russian diesel. Ahead of his arrival, the UK government confirmed it would accelerate the delivery of lightweight multirole missiles to help Ukraine counter Russian drones. Prime Minister Burnham affirmed the UK’s commitment, stating, “We are behind you and that will not change.”

Meanwhile, the rhetoric between Musk and the Ukrainian leadership has turned increasingly sharp. Following comments from Donald Trump suggesting it was time for a new Ukrainian president, Musk publicly agreed, writing, “Time for Zelensky to go.” This followed a pattern of similar remarks from the tech executive. Zelensky remains under pressure as martial law stays in effect, suspending elections since the 2022 invasion. Tensions were further exacerbated by reports of disagreements over US intelligence sharing and proposed energy ceasefires, despite Trump’s denial that any such threats were made to restrict support. According to earlier this week he, Said: “I agree, time for Ukraine to get a new leader,” after Trump said it was “time for Ukraine to get a new president”.