Satellite Bandwidth: SpaceX Confirms Recent Throttling in Ukraine

Elon Musk, the chief executive of SpaceX, confirmed on Saturday that his company had intentionally reduced the internet speeds available to Ukraine. This decision temporarily slowed down Starlink, the satellite-based broadband network that Kyiv relies on for critical military communications and defense operations against Russia. The admission came via a post on the social platform X and followed a public statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy announced that full access to both Starlink and the military-grade Starshield service had been restored to previous levels, ending a period of significant disruption for front-line units.

The timing of the restoration was precise. Zelenskyy noted that the speeds returned to normal overnight and were fully sufficient by Saturday morning. This recovery improved logistics for troops and enhanced the ability to track and defend against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones. The speed limits had been in place for more than a week, a duration that raised questions about the specific protocols governing the service during active conflict.

Musk defended the technical decision by citing the company's terms of service. He stated that using Starlink, which is a civilian commercial product, for offensive drone strikes to kill people was not permitted. According to Musk, the Ukrainian military had violated these rules by using the civilian network for such attacks. He explained that the company closed this loophole last week to enforce its standards. However, he clarified that the U.S. government retains control over changes to Starshield, the military version of the system that supports Ukraine's drone operations and communications.

The restoration of full speeds has eased tensions between Kyiv and Washington. These relations were already strained by other diplomatic developments, including a reported U.S. deal regarding Russian diesel imports that Ukraine viewed as a betrayal. Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara credited direct dialogue and Zelenskyy's diplomacy for resolving the issue. He emphasized that the outcome was vital for the military's drone work, logistics, and overall communications on the front.

The episode also highlighted the complex role of the U.S. administration. President Donald Trump stated that he did not make the call to limit speeds but suggested that Musk should not be blamed. Vice-President JD Vance hinted at coordination between the White House and Musk, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied any direct involvement from the administration. This mix of statements added to the scrutiny surrounding the use of private technology in a state-led war effort.

Broader diplomatic efforts continue alongside the technical fixes. Russia agreed on Wednesday to resume three-way talks with the U.S. and Ukraine next month. Additionally, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to a localized ceasefire around the town of Oleshky in the Kherson region, a move brokered by First Lady Melania Trump. These diplomatic steps aim to complement the operational stability provided by the restored satellite links.

Fighting continued in other areas during this period. A missile attack on Lozova in the Kharkiv region killed one man and wounded two others. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces struck a chemical plant in Tolyatti and an electronics plant in Oryol, with local officials reporting three deaths in the latter attack. Drones also reached the Omsk region, where an attack on an Ozon logistics center resulted in no casualties. These events underscore the ongoing reliance on precise data and communication links for both sides.