Can’t Use It To Kill People: Elon Musk Admits Restricting Starlink In Ukraine

Elon Musk has admitted that SpaceX restricted Starlink satellite internet in Ukraine, accusing the country's military of violating its terms of service by using the civilian network for offensive drone strikes. His remarks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Starlink and Starshield services had returned to required speeds following more than a week of disruptions.

“Using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people has never been allowed, nor should it be,” Musk wrote on X on Saturday, October 24. He added that the Ukrainian military had violated the service's terms and that “that loophole was closed last week”.

Musk clarified that Starshield is a separate system controlled by the US government, adding that decisions concerning its use were up to Washington. Defending SpaceX's role in the war, he said Starlink remained critical to Ukraine's defence because it was difficult to jam or destroy.

“Were Starlink to be turned off, the Ukrainian front line would collapse immediately. This is NOT a threat, it is simply a statement of fact,” he wrote. Musk also credited Starlink with helping prevent Russia from overrunning Ukraine during the early stages of the invasion, when other communications systems were destroyed or jammed. He claimed SpaceX had done more to defend Ukraine than any other private company.

However, Ukrainian officials disputed his allegation. Presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov said Ukraine did not rely on Starlink for long-range attacks inside Russia, arguing that technical restrictions made such operations using the commercial network unfeasible.

The restrictions reportedly capped operating speeds at around 160 km/h, disrupting drone interceptions and forcing some military operations to be cancelled. Ukraine's Defence Ministry said connectivity had stabilised at speeds exceeding 400 km/h after restoration.

The episode fuelled tensions between Kyiv and Washington, with responsibility for ordering the restrictions remaining disputed. US President Donald Trump denied making the decision, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied administration involvement.

The restoration coincided with renewed diplomatic efforts, including plans for Russia, Ukraine and the United States to resume three-way negotiations next month. Meanwhile, attacks continued on both sides as the war entered another uncertain phase.