Musk Confirms SpaceX Thwarted Ukraine's Starlink Access for Drone Attacks

Elon Musk has confirmed that SpaceX, his aerospace company, restricted Ukraine's access to its Starlink satellite internet system. Musk stated on X, formerly Twitter, that the restriction was implemented because the Ukrainian military was using the civilian Starlink service for offensive drone attacks, which he described as a violation of the terms of service.

"Using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people has never been allowed, nor should it be," Musk posted on Saturday. "Starshield, a different system, is controlled by the US government. What they decide to do is up to them."

Musk further elaborated that the Ukrainian military had "violated Starlink terms of service and used it for offensive drone strikes to kill people. That loophole was closed last week." He added, "SpaceX has done more to defend Ukraine than any private company on Earth BY FAR." He also expressed "UTTER CONTEMPT for the virtue-signaling evil warmongers who push for endless slaughter and offer no realistic solution to the conflict."

The throttling of Ukraine's Starlink access occurred approximately two weeks prior, when Ukrainian officials reported issues with the system affecting their drones. At the time, Ukrainian drones were reportedly traveling at speeds of 160 km/h or more, while Russian drones were operating at speeds of 400 km/h or higher.

The situation followed President Trump's announcement of a diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Days before the internet slowdown, Musk had echoed calls for Ukraine to change its leadership, citing complaints about the country's repeated attacks on Russian refineries.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday that full Starlink service had been restored, stating, "The speeds are now at the level we need."

Initially, there was confusion regarding responsibility for the slowdown. Musk had previously suggested that the complaints might be related to Starshield, a military version of the satellite system controlled by the U.S. government. This led to a period of uncertainty and blame, with Trump and administration officials denying responsibility.

The disruption to Ukraine's internet access came as the country prepared for winter, facing systematic Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.