Musk restricted Starlink for Ukraine after Trump calls, WSJ reports
Elon Musk personally ordered restrictions on the military version of Starlink for Ukraine, following phone conversations with President Donald Trump, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials. SpaceX representatives coordinated public messaging with the White House after the restrictions were implemented. The speed limits rendered Ukrainian attack and interceptor drones ineffective, allowing Russian drones to bypass defenses. The restrictions followed criticism from Musk and Trump over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. Some US officials say Musk acted independently without a direct Trump order, while another source says Musk spoke with administration officials beforehand. Musk claimed military officials and the president determine Starlink restrictions, while Trump denied knowing who ordered the slowdown.