news.today
Hello · Register today | LoginHello · My Account[—] [32]
US

Elon Musk ordered slowdown of Ukraine's Starlink access

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 01:38 · Archive

Elon Musk ordered a slowdown of military-grade Starlink service used by Ukraine for drone operations against Russia on 14 October.

Elon Musk ordered a slowdown of Starshield, a military-grade version of Starlink satellite internet critical to Ukraine's drone operations, on 14 October. The speed cap rendered objects flying faster than 100 mph unable to connect to the service, effectively disabling many of Ukraine's offensive and interceptor drones at a time when Russia was launching drone attacks on Ukraine's power plants.

US officials told the Wall Street Journal that Musk made the decision without consulting the White House. However, another source claimed Musk discussed the matter with senior administration officials and President Trump both before and after the slowdown became public. CBS News reported that Musk held multiple conversations with administration officials leading up to the order, seeking clarity on the president's thinking.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he felt betrayed by the decision. He told Piers Morgan Uncensored that people would die as a result, and initially blamed both Trump and SpaceX for the slowdown. An adviser on military technology to Zelensky told The Guardian that the restrictions had hampered Ukraine's attack and air defence drone missions and led to several failed combat missions.

Musk denied ordering the slowdown in an X post on 14 October, stating: 'Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS.' He added that Starlink is a commercial service that cannot be used for offensive military action. Trump and administration officials initially denied involvement. Trump said: 'I didn't do that. No, we didn't do that at all. In fact, I don't even think it was slowed down from what I understood.' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon had not manipulated the service.

Some administration officials told CBS News they were surprised by the order and said neither Trump nor the Pentagon specifically ordered limits meant to disrupt drone operations. Trump said Monday he was seeking details on who ordered the slowdown, stating: 'I don't know who it was, but I'd like to find out.' An informal investigation was conducted inside the White House to determine responsibility for the decision.

Musk has previously expressed distaste with his company being seen as profiting from the continued war between Russia and Ukraine. Both Musk and Trump have been critical of Ukrainian attacks on diesel refineries. SpaceX representatives called the White House seeking a unified understanding and message that the company and Trump administration had coordinated ahead of Musk's directive, according to sources.

Elon Musk ordered slowdown of Ukraine's Starlink access
Image: The Mirror

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

In this story: Elon Musk · Volodymyr Zelensky · Donald Trump · SpaceX · Ukraine · Russia

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem