Elon Musk limits Starlink speeds for Ukraine, citing US officials

SpaceX founder Elon Musk ordered a reduction in the data speeds available to Ukraine's military-grade Starlink satellite service, a change reported by the Wall Street Journal and attributed to discussions with senior U.S. officials. Kyiv relies on Starlink for battlefield communications and drone operations, and the speed cap is expected to affect the performance of both offensive and interceptor drones.

"Musk said any limits on speed or use were decided by the U.S. military or the president," the report noted.

Two sources told the newspaper that Musk and President Donald Trump spoke about the decision shortly after the slowdown became public. While some officials believe Musk acted independently, another source said Musk consulted multiple senior administration officials, including the president, before implementing the cap.

President Trump has previously expressed frustration with Ukraine over recent attacks on Russian diesel refineries, which he links to rising energy prices. He also stated that neither he nor Musk bears responsibility for Ukraine's reduced Starlink access.

SpaceX, Musk, and the White House have not responded to the report. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin following talks described as "constructive" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Norway.