Musk points to US govt over possible Starshield slowdown

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk clarified on Wednesday that any issues with the Starshield satellite communications system used by Ukraine are the responsibility of the U.S. government, not his company. Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the U.S. government, with speed and usage limits determined by the U.S. military and ultimately President Donald Trump.

Musk differentiated Starshield, used by Ukraine for battlefield communications, from Starlink, a civilian satellite system also operated by SpaceX but not permitted for offensive operations by Ukraine. Former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov criticized the situation on X, stating that restoring full speed for Starshield is crucial for Ukraine's defense.

He thanked Musk for his continued support. Ukrainian officials have accused Washington of contributing to slower speeds, suggesting the U.S. is aiding Russia by not warning Ukraine of incoming missile strikes. Ukrainian territory was hit by ballistic missiles twice in a row before air raid warnings could be issued. Democrats in the U.S. Senate and House condemned the Trump administration's actions, labeling the restrictions on Ukraine's access to Starshield as "unconscionable" and urging an immediate halt to these measures.

Senate Democrat Jeanne Shaheen emphasized that lives are at stake and called for the Pentagon to notify Congress of any changes in intelligence sharing. Republican Senator Tom Tillis expressed concern over the US government's support for Ukrainian sovereignty, criticizing American corporations for potential involvement. President Trump, facing mid-term elections, blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries for fuel price increases.

A senior Kyiv official confirmed that the U.S. had threatened to halt intelligence sharing about Russian missile launches.