Elon Musk reportedly imposed restrictions on the speed at which Ukrainian equipment could connect to the Starshield satellite system, rendering some Ukrainian drones ineffective, according to a media report citing US officials and individuals familiar with the matter.
Ukraine has accused Washington of deliberately restricting the service’s performance, which Kyiv considers vital to its defence against Russia’s invasion. US President Donald Trump denied last week that he had requested any limitations on the system.
Musk previously stated that any restrictions on Starshield’s speed or usage were determined by the US military and ultimately the president.
However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington had no advance knowledge of the reported slowdown. Speaking during a visit to India, Rubio maintained that neither the president nor the US government controlled Musk’s private company or could direct its operations.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also denied that the Pentagon had ordered changes to Starshield. Speaking on Tuesday, he said the department had not withdrawn any services or issued directives to alter the system.
Trump likewise denied requesting restrictions, saying he believed neither he nor Musk had initiated the move.
Ukraine reported disruptions to the service last week, shortly after Trump criticised Kyiv and urged it to stop targeting Russian oil refineries. Starshield connectivity is considered important for Ukraine’s military operations amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
