Ukraine accuses SpaceX of limiting Starlink services amid missile attacks

Ukrainian officials have accused SpaceX of throttling Starlink satellite services, which they claim disrupts military operations and leaves Kyiv vulnerable to attacks. An adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that services were limited for terminals traveling over 100 mph overnight on Wednesday, impacting Ukraine's ability to launch drones that rely on satellite internet. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, responded on X, asserting that the United States government and military control all Starshield speeds, stating, "Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately [President of the United States]." The White House has not confirmed or denied Musk's claim, and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Ukrainian defense technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov noted that Ukraine was deprived of a critical defense capability against Shahed drones, and frontline logistics were also disrupted. Zelenskyy described the restrictions as a "big mistake" that could lead to significant human losses. US Senator Jeanne Shaheen called for an immediate end to the restrictions, emphasizing the stakes involved. Poland's foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, criticized Musk for potentially playing politics with his products, referencing past disputes between Musk and Polish officials. The slowdown in Starlink services coincided with Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, which resulted in at least nine fatalities and damage to infrastructure. Reports indicate that the US has threatened to cut off intelligence sharing with Ukraine, urging Kyiv to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries. Trump stated that the US has not ceased intelligence sharing. Another Ukrainian official accused Washington of throttling Starlink and aiding Russia. Trump has suggested that Zelenskyy is partly responsible for high diesel prices in the US and has lifted sanctions on Russian diesel amid rising fuel costs. Zelenskyy expressed disappointment over Trump's stance, stating that if Trump aims to mediate, he should remain neutral.