Starlink restriction 'no surprise' after Musk condemned Ukraine strikes on Russian data centres

Elon Musk has claimed that restrictions on Ukraine's Starlink internet service are under the control of the US government, not his own company. Starlink plays a crucial role for Ukraine, enabling it to guide drones against Russian targets and defend its airspace. However, on Tuesday, unexpected speed limits were imposed, disrupting Ukraine's military operations. A Ukrainian presidential advisor suggested these restrictions were intentional and linked to tensions between Kyiv and Washington.

Musk pointed out that Starshield, the military version of Starlink, is managed by the US military and ultimately by the US president. He made this assertion on X, responding to Ukrainian officials' calls for improved connectivity, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky had tweeted that he hoped the issue was a mistake or a technical problem and had requested the network be switched back on.

Starlink, owned by Musk's SpaceX, had initially reduced its speed limit to 100mph (160km/h), which halted any weapon faster than that from connecting to the network. However, the restrictions were partially lifted by Wednesday evening. Ukraine's former defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, emphasized the critical need to remove the Starshield speed limit entirely, praising Musk's efforts and seeking continued support.

Musk defended his company's stance, stating that Starshield is owned and controlled by the US government, with limits on speed or usage decided by the US military and ultimately the president. He added that Starlink is meant for civilian or defensive purposes and should not be used for offensive military actions, as it would not align with SpaceX's commercial company values.

The recent speed limit changes in Ukraine came amid ongoing Russian attacks that killed people in Kyiv and disrupted military communications and energy facilities. At least 600,000 Ukrainians lost power, with residents reporting no warning before incoming drones struck. Ukrainian President Zelensky's advisor, Serhiy Beskrestnov, tweeted that the actions appeared coincidental and tied to the current political situation.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with Ukraine's continued strikes on Russian energy facilities, while Zelensky admitted feeling betrayed by the US after a deal to import diesel was made with Russia.