Technology · 2026-10-25 · Afternoon briefing
Musk says SpaceX restricted Ukraine's Starlink over drone strikes
Elon Musk has confirmed his company, SpaceX, restricted Ukraine's Starlink internet service, accusing Kyiv of violating its terms by using the civilian network for "offensive drone strikes". Mr Musk stated a "loophole" allowing this was "closed last week". A Ukrainian presidential adviser, Serhii Beskrestnov, called the statement "very strange", noting that drones using Starlink were already speed-limited to 70-90km/h and could not operate over Russian territory.
Service has since been restored and upgraded. Ukraine’s defence minister, Yevhenii Khmara, reported a "stable connection" allowing drones to exceed 400km/h, a sharp increase from a previous 161km/h cut-off. The reversal followed an intervention from US President Donald Trump, who said he told Mr Musk to "put it back". The incident coincided with a wider dispute between Washington and Kyiv over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure.
Summary written by Cup of News with AI from the sources below. Check the originals for the full story.
Read the sources
- Musk says SpaceX did restrict Starlink, as Ukraine says the tech has been restored
- Elon Musk says SpaceX restricted Ukraine's access to Starlink after it violated agreement — 'Done more to defend' Kyiv than any private firm
- Ukraine's Starlink restored as Elon Musk claims Kyiv violated terms of service 'to kill people'
- Musk Says SpaceX Restricted Starlink Service In Ukraine Over Military Use
- Elon Musk says Ukraine ‘violated Starlink terms’ as full speed service returns
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