Musk Ordered Starlink Slowdown That Disrupted Ukraine's Drones

Elon Musk ordered a slowdown of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network that disrupted Ukraine’s drone operations for a day this week, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials and other sources. The move restricted Kyiv’s access to the service, affecting both defensive and offensive drone missions against Russian forces. Ukrainian commanders reported lost drones and failed missions during the disruption, which came as Russia continued strikes on civilian targets. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the lack of warning before heavy Russian attacks, while Ukrainian officials suggested US involvement in the reduced speeds on certain Starlink terminals. Musk denied SpaceX’s responsibility, stating that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government, with any speed limits decided by the US military and President Donald Trump. Zelensky later said he spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that the early-warning system was now working.