International
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Elon Musk admits he made the decision to cut access to Starlink satellite internet in Ukraine after users were found to be breaching terms of service rules by using it for drone attacks. This comes after Ukraine announced its Starlink and Starshield had returned to normal speed.
In a post on X on Saturday Musk said that Starlink will never be used for offensive drone attacks that will takeaway lives and whilst not happy the decision was made as a “loophole” had been exploited.
Elon Musk confirmed SpaceX temporarily limited Ukraine’s Starlink after drone attack violations of service terms, but stated the service is vital and Starshield differs. Ukraine reports Starlink and Starshield speeds have returned to normal.
“Starlink will never be used for offensive drone attacks taking lives. It’s never been permitted and should never happen.”
Ukraine are currently heavily reliant on satellites for co-ordinating military efforts and drones.
Why Elon Musk Cut StarLink in Ukraine
Last week, Ukraine announced that its Starlink and Starshield services had been affected, leading to slower access on the front line. This caused fears that Ukraine was heavily reliant on the private owned satellite.
Musk stated the decision to cut off the service was made by SpaceX as Ukraine breached terms of service by using Starlink for drone attacks and the company had been vital in helping protect Ukraine from Russian attacks.
Musk said Starlink helped Ukraine keep their communications going.
But Musk did state that the satellite was vital to Ukraine’s military, and also stated that;
“If it gets completely cut off the front line will definitely collapse.
Although he did go onto say it was still a vital resource to Ukraine’s defences, Musk slammed those who want them to continue fighting. He said;
Musk Explains StarShield Is Controlled by the US Government
Musk then went on to explain that Starshield, a separate satellite, was controlled by the US government.
“Starshield (a different system) is controlled by the United States government. And so it’s up to them.”
This is important as Ukraine relies on satellite communications to help co-ordinate military efforts and drones. Musk was highlighting this was not solely SpaceX’s decision.
The situation highlighted how much influence the companies providing satellite services can have on communications.
Zelensky Says Starlink & Starshield Are Back
Earlier today Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said they had returned to normal speeds.
Ukraine’s Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara said the direct communication and Zelensky engaging with Washington helped them. It is important to ensure soldiers on the front line have dependable communications.
The incident has further strained relations between Kyiv and Washington as Ukraine were worried about what was happening with US policy on Russia.
US President Donald Trump has denied he made the decision but previously stated that he would call Musk if the problem continued.
