[Elon Musk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elon_Musk) told the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday that he had ordered a reduction in the speed at which Ukraine could use the Starshield communications system operated by his company, SpaceX. The cut‑back, which rendered several Ukrainian drones ineffective, was said to follow a decision that ultimately rests with the U.S. president.
**Key facts**
- The speed limit was imposed in early October 2026, according to unnamed U.S. officials and sources familiar with the matter.
- Kyiv has accused Washington of deliberately throttling Starshield, a claim that was rejected by President [Donald Trump](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump) last week.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that the administration had no prior knowledge of the slowdown, emphasizing that the president does not control private satellite firms.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed that the Pentagon did not issue any directive to alter Starshield services, saying, “We haven’t pulled anything back.”
- Ukraine relies on Starshield, the military‑grade arm of the Starlink satellite network, for battlefield communications, mid‑range strikes, and operating interceptor drones.
What prompted the reduction in service?
The decision came after Musk publicly noted that any limits on Starshield’s speed or usage would be decided by the U.S. military and ultimately the president. He later clarified that the restriction was not a direct order from the White House.
How did U.S. officials respond?
Marco Rubio, while on a trip to India, said, “The president has nothing to do with the decisions that are made by Starlink and Starshield and by Mr. Musk. That’s a private company; the president doesn’t run that company and can’t direct that company to do anything… I’m telling you, there was no foreknowledge.”
What is the impact on Ukraine’s defence?
Ukraine’s armed forces use Starshield for secure communications and to guide drones that strike Russian‑occupied territories. The imposed speed cap has reportedly made some of these drones inoperable, raising concerns about Kyiv’s ability to counter the ongoing invasion.
What is the broader context of U.S.–Ukraine relations?
Tensions have risen after President Trump criticized Ukraine and urged it to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries. He also called for the removal of President Volodymyr Zelensky following Zelensky’s criticism of a U.S. deal that increased Russian diesel exports.
Overall, while Musk’s order has limited Ukraine’s satellite‑based capabilities, U.S. officials maintain that neither the president nor the Pentagon directed the change, leaving the matter in the realm of private corporate decision‑making.