Starlink · SpaceX · Elon Musk · Donald Trump · Ukraine · Russia · Axios
Ukraine's Starlink restrictions raise suspicions of Musk, Trump retaliation
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The rupture between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over last week's diesel deal deepened Wednesday after an Elon Musk-owned satellite system used by Ukraine unexpectedly restricted service, undercutting Ukraine's fight against Russia.
Key facts
- The rupture between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over last week's diesel deal deepened Wednesday after an Elon Musk-owned satellite system used by Ukraine unexpectedly
- The system turned off, they said, when a drone exceeded 160 kph
- In some cases, it disconnected when the speed went over 80 kph
- The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said SpaceX continues to restrict Starlink to 160 kph, significantly higher than earlier but still well below its normal speeds
Summary
The Ukrainian military uses SpaceX's Starlink satellite communications system to control and operate its reconnaissance and intercept drones. The system turned off, they said, when a drone exceeded 160 kph. In some cases, it disconnected when the speed went over 80 kph.