Reports say Musk ordered Starshield slowdown in Ukraine

Elon Musk ordered a slowdown of Starshield access used by Ukrainian forces, disrupting drone operations, according to reporting based on unnamed U.S. officials and people familiar with the decision. The extent of the service interruption and who authorized it remain disputed in public statements. Starshield is SpaceX’s government-controlled, military-grade satellite communications service. The reports said restrictions affected Ukrainian attack and air-defense drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said equipment stopped functioning at speeds of 130 to 160 kilometres per hour in some areas, slowing frontline logistics and limiting the use of several types of drones. The reported slowdown took place in October, but accounts differ on its timing and the consultations surrounding it. One account said the cap was imposed on October 14 without White House consultation; another person familiar with the matter said Musk had spoken with administration officials before it took effect. The reports also said Musk and President Donald Trump discussed the decision after it became public. The available accounts do not establish who authorized the restrictions or the duration and...