Elon Musk directed a reduction in Starlink internet speeds supporting Ukraine’s military operations beginning October 14, an action that has intensified tensions between Kyiv and Washington. The satellite internet service, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has been crucial for Ukrainian forces conducting drone strikes and defending against Russian missile attacks. Ukrainian officials indicated the slowdown impaired their ability to track and intercept Russian strikes, a claim corroborated by experts monitoring the conflict.
According to a person familiar with the matter, Musk consulted with senior U.S. administration officials, including former President Donald Trump, prior to implementing the speed restrictions. However, some U.S. officials have denied that Trump issued any official order to reduce Starlink’s performance, insisting that Musk acted independently. The Ukrainian government suspected the measure was linked either directly to Trump or Musk, particularly following a series of critical remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by both men.
Michael Kofman of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace explained that the capped speeds limited Ukrainian drones to approximately 130 kilometers per hour, below what is necessary for effective strike and interceptor drone operations. Denys Sienik, Ukraine’s top diplomat in Washington, said Ukraine continues to seek an official explanation from U.S. defense and SpaceX representatives regarding the restrictions and whether connectivity will be fully restored.
The episode marks one of the most severe strains in U.S.-Ukraine ties since Trump’s contentious Oval Office encounter with Zelensky last year. The situation also underscores Musk’s unique influence over the conflict, as control of Starlink’s network has significant implications for battlefield outcomes.
In parallel, Zelensky accused the Trump administration of temporarily cutting U.S. intelligence support used by Ukrainian forces to monitor and target Russian missile launches. These allegations were denied by Trump and other officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who called such claims “not true” but acknowledged rising tensions between Kyiv and Washington.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the U.S. military has not withdrawn any capabilities but emphasized that Starlink, as a private company, retains discretion over its service terms. He clarified that no governmental directives influenced the speed changes.
The dispute follows a series of public criticisms by Trump and Musk directed at Zelensky. On October 10, Trump publicly warned Zelensky not to strike Russian energy infrastructure, citing concerns over global fuel prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Musk echoed this sentiment, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that “Zelensky has gone too far.” Shortly afterward, Ukrainian drone operators found their access to Starlink’s unrestricted network limited without explanation, prompting urgent inquiries from Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Zelensky traveled to Norway on October 20 for talks with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Nordic leaders focused on seeking an end to the war. The dispute over Starlink’s network highlights the growing complexities in the international support framework for Ukraine as the conflict enters its third year. SpaceX declined to comment on the matter.