Restrictions made prohibited strikes impossible, Ukraine disputes Elon Musk claim military violated Starlink terms of service

Ukraine challenges Musk’s account

Serhii Beskrestnov, a defense technology adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said restrictions on Starlink’s civilian service in Ukraine had long prevented offensive use. He questioned Musk’s awareness of those limits in an online post.

Musk said SpaceX’s civilian commercial service was not permitted for offensive drone strikes. He also asserted that Ukraine’s military had violated Starlink’s terms of service and that the loophole was closed the previous week.

Starlink and Starshield disruptions

Ukrainian officials said speed caps were lifted on Saturday and service was restored. Musk acknowledged that SpaceX had throttled Starlink in Ukraine, but said the U.S. government controlled any changes to Starshield. President Donald Trump said he did not make the decision; Vice President JD Vance hinted at White House coordination with Musk.

Operational and diplomatic strains

Restrictions on Starshield alarmed Ukrainian officials and military leaders. Commanders reported lost drones and disrupted missions, adding strain to Kyiv’s relationship with Washington, already affected by a reported Trump deal with Moscow to import Russian diesel.

The Starlink restoration followed a renewed U.S. diplomatic effort to end the war. Russia agreed Wednesday to resume three-way talks with Washington and Kyiv next month. On Friday, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to a localized ceasefire around Oleshky, a Russian-occupied town in the southern Kherson region, brokered by first lady Melania Trump.

Russia’s attacks continue

Zelenskyy said Sunday that Russia had launched nearly 2,300 drones at Ukrainian cities over the previous week, and urged Western allies to speed up interceptor deliveries. He also reported about 1,600 guided bombs and 48 missiles, including ballistic missiles.

Zelenskyy said attacks had affected nine regions, damaging power plants, grain stores, homes and commercial facilities. Many of the attacks were deadly, he said.