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Tech · October 21, 2026

Elon Musk ordered Starlink slowdown in Ukraine during Russian attacks: Report

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Reports indicate Elon Musk personally ordered a slowdown of the Starshield satellite network used by Ukraine, contradicting his earlier claims that such decisions were at the discretion of the U.S. government. The restriction, which reportedly targeted drone operations by capping connections based on flight speed, caused disruption and confusion for Ukrainian military forces. While Musk reportedly spoke with administration officials beforehand to seek clarity on policy, the White House and President Trump have denied ordering any specific limits meant to disrupt battlefield communications.

Read the original coverage

Reported by multiple outlets

  • Elon Musk ordered a slowdown of the Starlink/Starshield network in Ukraine last week.
  • The Wall Street Journal was the original source of the report.
  • The slowdown significantly impacted Ukrainian drone operations.
  • Musk previously stated on X that the U.S. military and President Trump decide limits on usage.
  • President Trump denied ordering the restrictions and is seeking details on who did.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The slowdown involved cutting internet connections when drones exceeded specific flight speeds.
  • The decision followed criticism from both Musk and Trump regarding Ukrainian attacks on Russian diesel refineries.
  • The restrictions were imposed without warning, causing panic among Ukrainian officials.
  • Musk reportedly expressed a desire to avoid his company being seen as profiting from the war.

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