Starshield Restrictions Disrupted Ukrainian Drone Operations

Reports say Elon Musk ordered speed restrictions on Starshield, SpaceX’s military-grade satellite service used by Ukraine, beginning around October 14; moving terminals disconnect above 160 kilometers per hour. The restrictions disrupted drone communications and strike and interception missions, with Ukrainian personnel reporting lost video or control that left drones slower and more vulnerable to Russian defenses. Responsibility remains disputed: Musk says usage limits are decided by the U.S. military and president, while President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said they did not direct the restrictions or lacked advance knowledge; accounts differ on whether Trump was consulted or approved the move, and some U.S. officials were reportedly surprised. Ukraine has sought to lift the restrictions through talks with SpaceX and the U.S. government, while lawmakers have called for an investigation and officials have warned the disruption could put Ukrainian lives at risk. Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the United States had resumed sharing advance intelligence on Russian missile strikes after an apparent pause.