Ukrainian Defense Ministry officials say SpaceX restricted Starshield terminals so that devices moving faster than 100 mph lost their connection, with no advance warning. The limit hampered drones and other fast-moving military systems that rely on the network.
The restriction came hours after Ukraine's military failed to receive advance warning of a ballistic missile attack, and amid a dispute over Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Russian oil sales. The White House denied interfering, telling Axios the problems were a technical glitch and that it does not control SpaceX.
Elon Musk contradicted that account, writing that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government, and that any speed or use restrictions are set by the US military and ultimately the president. Some reports say service has since been restored, while Kyiv continues talks with Washington on why it was cut.