Musk Slows Starlink Speeds for Ukraine, Report Says

Elon Musk ordered last week a reduction in speed for a military-grade version of the Starlink satellite service that Ukraine relies on, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing US officials and sources familiar with the matter. Hours later, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said decisions on Ukraine's access to Starlink belonged to SpaceX and Musk, not the White House, suggesting the speed reduction was Musk's call. Rubio stated the matter is governed by a private commercial contract determining equipment use and operating speeds. Ukraine uses SpaceX satellite systems for battlefield communications and drone operations, and the restriction hampered Ukrainian attack and air defense missions. Conflicting reports emerged, with Reuters citing officials saying the White House ultimately decided, a claim denied by the US government, while Musk said the US military or president decide limitations.