Reports suggest Elon Musk proposed slowing Starlink services in Ukraine, potentially impacting the military's ability to counter Russian drone attacks.

Elon Musk reportedly proposed to US President Donald Trump that the speed of Starlink satellite communications be limited in Ukraine. According to reports citing anonymous sources, this proposal led to the Pentagon imposing restrictions on Starshield, the military-grade version of the network used by Ukrainian forces.

Impact on Military Operations

The reported speed restrictions on Starshield affected the ability of Ukrainian drone operators to maintain communications with aircraft moving at high speeds. This limitation reportedly hindered efforts to intercept Russian jet-powered drones and missiles, which travel at approximately twice the speed of the 160 kph limit imposed on the drones. Consequently, some drone missions against Russian positions were reportedly called off.

Conflicting Accounts and Denials

The reports have been met with conflicting statements. Musk stated on X on October 14 that he was not responsible for restrictions on the system. President Trump denied that he or Musk were responsible for Ukraine losing access, and an anonymous US official told AFP that the president had not requested a reduction in service. Conversely, sources cited by The Telegraph, including a high-ranking European official and two Ukrainian sources, alleged that both Musk and Trump were involved in the decision.