Elon Musk alleges that Ukraine breached Starlink’s terms of service prior to a recent service slowdown, according to reports by Ars Technica. Musk stated, “Ukraine’s military violated Starlink’s terms of service and utilized it for offensive drone strikes resulting in casualties,” citing a closure of a loophole last week. Ukrainian officials, however, have denied any violation and have asserted that such an action was never possible.
This reporting follows nearly two weeks of accusations from Ukrainian officials regarding SpaceX imposing restrictions on the military’s satellite internet service, which had previously disrupted drone operations. According to reporting by Axios, Ukraine relies on Starlink for communications, logistics, and electronic defense against incoming threats. For offensive missions, officials specify the use of Starshield, the U.S. military‑controlled variant of the constellation.
Musk referenced a statement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicating that Ukraine deploys “Starlink for mid‑range strikes against enemy military targets,” which allegedly breached Starlink’s policies. In response, defense technology advisor Serhii Beskrestnov clarified that Starlink networks cannot connect to devices traveling between 70 and 90 km/h (approximately 43–55 mph) and do not function within Russian airspace. “Therefore, we cannot physically employ commercial Starlink for deep or medium‑range strikes,” Beskrestnov explained.
Ars Technica further highlights a tweet from former advisor Serhii Sternenko detailing the technical limitations. While stationary terminals could be registered with Starlink by military personnel or civilians, the source notes that any satellite terminal operating in motion must be added to a special list and linked to the military Starshield system. Consequently, using civilian Starlink for drone missions was deemed technically impossible; all communications requiring satellite connectivity had to rely exclusively on Starshield.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that Starlink and Starshield services have been fully restored. The lifting of restrictions permits the military to connect to devices traveling at speeds exceeding 400 km/h (248 mph), according to the Kyiv Independent
