Who cut off Ukraine's drones? A sudden blackout in SpaceX's Starshield satellite service has ignited a blame war between Elon Musk and the American administration, while Ukrainian forces report operational missions were disrupted mid-flight.
According to Ukrainian sources, the restrictions took effect without warning overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. Axios reported that communication terminals disconnected when drones exceeded speeds of 100 miles per hour, and in some cases as low as 50 mph. The disruptions hit interceptor drones used to defend against Russian Shahed attacks, among other systems.
Musk Accuses, Washington Denies
Responding to Ukrainian inquiries, Musk claimed the responsibility does not lie with SpaceX. According to him, Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the United States government, and any speed or usage restrictions are set by the American military - and ultimately by the president.
But the versions coming out of Washington contradict one another. Two American officials and one Western source briefed on the matter told Reuters the order to slow the service came from inside the White House, though they did not specify who gave it. A senior American official, however, denied that the president requested such a restriction. Other sources raised the possibility of a technical malfunction, and another senior official told Axios the administration had no connection to the move.
SpaceX and the Pentagon did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
Connection Restored, Problem Remains
On Thursday, a source in the Ukrainian Defense Ministry told Reuters the terminals resumed functioning in motion, but only up to speeds of 100 mph. The ministry said it continues to clarify the circumstances of the restrictions with the parties involved.
For Ukraine, the restoration of service is not the end of the story. Kyiv is demanding the speed cap be removed entirely, arguing it undermines the ability to operate the aircraft needed to defend against Russian strikes. Ukrainian soldiers summed up the problem in a conversation with the Kyiv Independent: "100 mph is not enough."
