Elon Musk stated that the US government, not SpaceX, is responsible for any usage or speed restrictions on the Starshield satellite system used by Ukraine.
Key facts
- •Elon Musk stated that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government.
- •Ukrainian officials reported that Starlink connectivity at speeds up to 160 km/h is being restored.
- •The Ukrainian Defense Ministry confirmed that SpaceX still imposes a speed limit of 161 km/h on terminals.
- •US lawmakers, including Senator Jeanne Shaheen and House Democrats, have criticized the reported service restrictions.
- •Musk distinguished between the military-focused Starshield system and the civilian Starlink service.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said on October 14 that the US government owns and controls the Starshield satellite communications system used by Ukraine. Musk’s comments followed reports from Ukrainian officials regarding service disruptions and speed limits on terminals used by the country's armed forces. Musk stated that any decisions regarding speed or usage limits are made by the US military and the President.
By the numbers
Service Disruptions and Connectivity
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported on October 14 that Starlink connectivity at speeds up to 160 km/h was being restored, though he noted that removing speed limits entirely remains critical for Ukraine’s defense. Ukrainian military personnel had previously reported that service was restricted without warning, affecting the Starshield system used for drone operations. While SpaceX maintains that Starlink is a commercial service limited to civilian or defensive activities, Ukrainian defense officials have suggested that Washington is behind the slower speeds on terminals used to target Russian-occupied territory. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry stated that while a 161 km/h speed limit remains in place, they have observed improved connection quality.
Political Reaction in the United States
The reported restrictions on Starshield have drawn criticism from US lawmakers. House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats described the situation as unconscionable, while Senator Jeanne Shaheen called for an immediate end to the restrictions, citing the risk to lives. Shaheen also requested that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth notify Congress if the Department of Defense has paused or downgraded intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Republican Senator Tom Tillis also expressed concern, stating that supporting Ukrainian sovereignty should not be a grey area.
Timeline
- Morning of October 14Ukrainian military personnel reported that SpaceX restricted Starlink service without warning.
- Evening of October 14Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported that connectivity was being restored.
- October 14Elon Musk stated that the US government is responsible for any limits on Starshield usage.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Meduza (English), Straits Times World.
