Musk's Starlink speed cuts disrupt Ukraine's drone missions

Elon Musk personally ordered a slowdown of military-grade Starlink satellite services used by Ukrainian forces, disrupting drone operations and raising concerns in Kyiv, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The restrictions took effect on October 14, causing terminals on drones to lose connectivity at speeds over 160 km/h. Ukrainian officials said the change, introduced without advance warning, forced cancellations of several missions, including operations to intercept Russian drones. The disruption affected both offensive and defensive drone use, making aircraft harder to control and more vulnerable to Russian defenses. The episode has heightened Ukrainian worries about reliance on US-linked technology for battlefield communications. Musk has denied unilateral action, saying decisions on the military service rest with the US government, while US officials have disputed involvement. Ukraine is now checking backup communication options.