Musk says US government controls Starshield speed limits that disrupted Ukraine operations
Starlink speed restrictions imposed Tuesday night that cut off weapons traveling faster than 100mph from connectivity were attributed by Musk to US military and presidential control over the military-grade Starshield service.
What happened
On Tuesday night, Starlink restricted speed limits to 100mph, causing Ukrainian weapons relying on the network for targeting and guidance to lose connectivity during Russian attacks that killed several people in Kyiv. Ukrainian officials, including President Zelensky, called for the restrictions to be removed. Musk responded that Starshield—the military-grade service distinct from civilian Starlink—is owned and controlled by the US government, and that any speed or usage limits are decided by the US military and ultimately the US president. The restrictions were partially restored by Wednesday evening. Musk clarified that Starlink is restricted to civilian or defensive use and cannot be used for offensive military action.
Context
Starlink has been a critical tool for Ukraine to guide drones against Russian targets and defend its airspace. The timing of the restrictions coincided with major Russian strikes and escalating tensions between the US and Ukraine. Ukrainian officials suspect the restrictions were not accidental, with Zelensky's adviser linking them to current political friction between Washington and Kyiv. This friction includes disagreements over Ukraine's targeting of Russian energy facilities, with reports that the US threatened to restrict intelligence sharing if Ukraine did not agree to a ceasefire on energy infrastructure. The US government has not commented on the restrictions or the Ukrainian allegations.
What's disputed
Whether the speed restrictions were intentional US policy or a technical issue; whether they were timed as political pressure on Ukraine regarding US-Russia energy negotiations.