Musk links Ukraine drone speed restrictions to possible US government role

Elon Musk said that the US government is responsible for the restrictions that have slowed military drones. Elon Musk also said that problems with SpaceX satellite communications are putting Kyiv’s battlefield operations against Russia in danger, BBC reported.

Elon Musk wrote on X on Wednesday that “Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS.” Elon Musk was referring to President Donald Trump.

Ukrainian officials said that sudden restrictions on satellite communications have disrupted drone missions. These missions included long‑range strikes and aerial defence. The Ukrainian military relies on SpaceX’s Starlink and on Starshield, the government‑controlled counterpart to coordinate drones and keep communications alive on the battlefield.

Presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov said that Ukraine’s defence forces received no advance warning of the restrictions. Serhii Beskrestnov said that the lack of warning caused operations to be disrupted according to Reuters.

Ukraine’s former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said that connectivity had begun to recover. Mykhailo Fedorov also called for the removal of Starshield’s speed limits.

The restrictions have raised concerns in Kyiv about Washington’s support. Washington support is unclear amid growing tensions between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukrainian officials have asked whether the disruption was politically motivated.