Elon Musk has raised concerns that the US government could be responsible for new limitations on the speed of certain drones used by Ukraine, which rely on SpaceX’s Starlink internet service. This assertion follows reports that Ukraine has encountered unexpected speed caps affecting its military operations.

Starlink’s Crucial Role in Ukraine’s Defence

Starlink plays a pivotal role in enabling Ukrainian forces to direct drones against Russian targets and safeguard their airspace. However, during a briefing on Tuesday evening, officials from Ukraine indicated that recent speed restrictions imposed on the network were hampering their battlefield effectiveness.

Political Tensions and Speed Limitations

An adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that the imposition of these limits may be linked to rising tensions between Kyiv and Washington. Responding to these developments, Musk clarified on social media that Starshield, the military counterpart to Starlink, is under the control of the US government. He stated, “Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately the President of the United States.”

In response to urgent requests from Ukrainian officials—including a plea from Zelensky himself—Musk reiterated that the decision-making regarding speed constraints falls outside his company’s purview. Zelensky expressed hope that the issues were merely technical glitches, urging for a swift resolution to restore full functionality.

Restoration Efforts and Ongoing Conflict

Starlink had initially restricted drone speeds to 100 mph (approximately 160 km/h), leading to connectivity losses for any systems exceeding that threshold. By Wednesday evening, former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that partial service had been restored, highlighting the critical nature of lifting the speed limits entirely for Ukraine’s defence strategy.

In a follow-up post, Musk acknowledged the situation, stating that Starlink is intended for civilian and defensive operations, and cannot be used for offensive military purposes, as this would conflict with the responsibilities of a commercial entity. The US government has yet to respond to Musk’s claims.

Meanwhile, the conflict persists, with reports emerging that Russian strikes in the Dnipropetrovsk region resulted in two fatalities, according to regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha.