Longstanding restrictions made offensive Starlink drone strikes impossible, Ukraine disputes Elon Musk claim military violated terms during operations
Officials challenge Musk’s account
Serhii Beskrestnov, a defense technology adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said restrictions on Starlink’s civilian system in Ukraine had long prevented offensive use. In an online post, he called it “very strange” that Musk appeared unaware of those limits.
Musk said SpaceX had throttled Starlink in Ukraine and asserted that Ukraine’s military had breached the service’s terms by using it for offensive drone strikes. He said the loophole was closed last week.
Connectivity disruptions raise questions
Officials said speed caps were lifted on Saturday and service was restored. Questions have continued over who ordered interruptions to the satellite system, which Kyiv has relied on for years.
Responsibility remains disputed
Musk said the U.S. government controlled changes to Starshield, the military-grade service used as a backbone for Ukraine’s drone operations and communications. President Donald Trump said he did not make that decision, while Vice President JD Vance has suggested White House coordination with Musk.
Restrictions on Starshield imposed last week alarmed Ukrainian officials and military commanders, who reported lost drones and disrupted missions. The episode added strain to Kyiv’s relationship with Washington.
Diplomacy and attacks continue
The service restoration came amid a renewed U.S. diplomatic effort to end the war. Russia agreed Wednesday to resume three-way negotiations with Washington and Kyiv next month. On Friday, Kyiv and Moscow also agreed to a localized ceasefire around Oleshky, brokered by first lady Melania Trump.
Zelenskyy said Russia had launched almost 2,300 strike drones at Ukraine over the past week, alongside about 1,600 guided bombs and 48 missiles. He said attacks affected nine regions and damaged power plants, grain stores, homes and commercial facilities, renewing his appeal for Western allies to speed up interceptor deliveries.
Key points
- Ukrainian officials say longstanding Starlink restrictions made the alleged offensive use impossible.
- Musk said Ukraine’s military violated Starlink terms and that SpaceX had throttled service.
- Starshield connectivity losses disrupted air defenses, and commanders reported lost drones and interrupted missions.
- Zelenskyy reported nearly 2,300 Russian strike drones over the past week and called for faster interceptor deliveries.