Ukraine says Starlink speeds restored; Musk accuses Kyiv of violating terms

· Tech · Ukraine · United States

Ukraine said restrictions on the speed of its SpaceX Starlink and Starshield connections were lifted overnight, restoring connectivity to fast-moving military systems after more than a week of disruption. President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Americans who "took this seriously." But Elon Musk accused Ukraine's military of violating SpaceX's terms, and the two sides have offered conflicting accounts of who controls access. The disruption followed US President Donald Trump's announcement of a deal to buy Russian diesel while pressing Kyiv to stop striking Russian oil refineries. Reporting also says Washington has repeatedly asked SpaceX to alter Starlink service in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Why it matters：Ukraine's battlefield communications depend on a privately controlled network, making access a bargaining chip in US-Ukraine relations and a model for how commercial space assets shape wars.

Key points

  • Restrictions lasted more than a week before overnight restoration.
  • Musk said Ukraine's military violated SpaceX terms.
  • Reports say Washington has repeatedly asked SpaceX to alter Starlink service.

Sources (original reporting)

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