Musk Confirms SpaceX Restricted Ukraine Starlink Use for Offensive Strikes

Elon Musk stated on Saturday that his company, SpaceX, had restricted Ukraine's use of Starlink internet service, asserting that Kyiv had violated the terms of service by employing the civilian tool for offensive drone strikes. The tech billionaire's comments came as Ukrainian officials reported that connectivity issues previously experienced with the satellite internet system appeared to have been resolved.

Musk explained on X, formerly Twitter, that using Starlink, a commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people was never permitted. He stated that the loophole was closed last week. "Ukraine['s] military violated Starlink terms of service and used it for offensive drone strikes to kill people. That loophole was closed last week," Musk wrote. He added that SpaceX had "done more to defend Ukraine than any private company on Earth."

SpaceX also manages Starshield, a separate, military-grade system controlled by the U.S. government, which Musk differentiated from Starlink, stating, "What they decide to do is up to them." He further clarified that while Starlink can be used for military infrastructure, it cannot be used for "unequivocally offensive strikes that make it fair game to be struck back."

Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov responded to Musk's post on Telegram, calling it "very strange" and asserting that Ukraine "physically cannot use" commercial Starlink for long- and middle-range drone strikes. Ukraine's Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara reported earlier on Saturday that the military was experiencing a stable connection, with drones now capable of speeds exceeding 400 km/h (249 mph). Previously, Kyiv had stated the connection would cut out above 161 km/h. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed on Telegram that "The speeds are now where they need to be."

The issue of Starlink connectivity arose last week amid broader diplomatic discussions between Washington and Kyiv concerning Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure. Musk had previously denied deliberately throttling Ukraine's connection, which Kyiv had indicated hampered its defensive operations.

Ukraine utilizes both the civilian Starlink service and the more secure Starshield for different communication needs. Starlink facilitates coordination among military units, particularly in remote battlefield areas, while Starshield enables Ukrainian drone operators to view targets in real-time and operate interceptor drones. Russia is not authorized to use Starlink, meaning the network does not function when Ukraine directs long-range missiles or drones deep into Russia to target oil refineries.

The timing of Musk's latest comments and the apparent restoration of service coincided with statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he had instructed Musk to "put it back," while simultaneously denying he had initially ordered the service to be limited. The connection issues also occurred during a period of tension between Zelenskyy and Trump over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities. Trump had expressed concerns that these strikes were driving up global fuel prices. While the attacks have impacted fuel prices, increases this year have been primarily attributed to the conflict involving Iran. Facing domestic pressure over rising fuel costs ahead of midterm elections, Trump had waived some sanctions on Russia and agreed to a deal to supply Russian diesel to the U.S. and global markets, a move criticized by European allies.

Zelenskyy had initially agreed to cease strikes on the condition that Russia halt attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, but resumed strikes after perceived violations by Moscow. The Ukrainian leader also alleged that the U.S. had threatened to withdraw intelligence sharing if the strikes did not cease, a claim Trump also denied.