Washington, DC — Elon Musk personally ordered restrictions on a military-grade satellite network used by Ukraine, disrupting battlefield operations and setting off confusion inside the Trump administration over who authorized the move, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The slowdown capped connection speeds for Ukrainian equipment using SpaceX satellite technology, leaving numerous reconnaissance and combat drones unable to operate normally. Ukrainian officials said the restrictions endangered troops and weakened their ability to intercept Russian drones and conduct other battlefield missions.
The restrictions came amid escalating pressure from both Musk and President Donald Trump on Ukraine to stop striking Russian oil and diesel facilities. Trump has simultaneously eased economic pressure on Moscow, including waiving recently enacted sanctions and supporting increased Russian diesel sales.
Questions remain over who ultimately authorized the satellite restrictions. Musk publicly said the military-grade Starshield system is controlled by the U.S. government and that limitations are decided by the military and ultimately the president. Trump, however, later told reporters that neither he nor his administration ordered the disruption.
The Journal reported that SpaceX subsequently contacted White House officials seeking a coordinated explanation for the decision.
Ukraine continues to report restrictions on the system, underscoring its vulnerability to decisions made thousands of miles from the battlefield.
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