Ukraine’s Starlink disruptions expose US reliance as Europe has no ready alternative

Washington, Oct 15 - SpaceX founder Elon Musk clarified on Monday that any reported disruptions in Ukraine's Starshield satellite communications system would be the responsibility of the U.S. government, not his company. According to Musk, "Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the U.S. government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the U.S. military and ultimately the President," referring to President Donald Trump.

Musk differentiated between Starshield, utilized by Ukraine for battlefield communications, and Starlink, a civilian satellite system also used by Ukraine but not authorized for offensive operations. Musk responded to a post on X by Ukraine's former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who stated that Starlink connectivity at up to 160 km/h was being restored, but that removing the speed limit was crucial for Ukraine's defense.

Fedorov thanked Musk for his ongoing support. Ukrainian defense officials have hinted that Washington may be responsible for the slower speeds some internet terminals are experiencing, potentially aiding Ukrainian military operations against Russian-occupied areas and in deploying interceptor drones. Ukraine has also accused the U.S. of failing to warn Kyiv of incoming missile strikes, resulting in ballistic missiles hitting the capital on consecutive nights before air raid sirens could alert residents to seek shelter.

Opposition Democrats in the U.S. Senate and House criticized the Trump administration over the reported intermittent connections, alleging that restrictions are "unconscionable" and directly aiding Russian President Vladimir Putin's campaign against Ukrainian civilians. In the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee, top Democrat Jeanne Shaheen called for an immediate halt to restrictions on Ukraine's Starshield access, emphasizing that "lives are at stake."

Shaheen also demanded that Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth immediately inform Congress of any changes to intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Republican Senator Tom Tillis expressed concern over the U.S. government's and corporations' stance on Ukrainian sovereignty. President Trump, facing crucial midterm elections next month, has blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries for fuel price increases.

A senior official in Kyiv confirmed that the U.S. had recently threatened to cease providing intelligence about Russian missile launches, which Ukraine uses to defend against attacks. Trump denied the claim on Tuesday.