Technology·22 October 2026·1 min readTechnical readSource-backed

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk Ordered Starlink Speed Restrictions That Impaired Ukraine Military Drones

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk ordered the Starlink speed restrictions that blindsided Ukraine’s military last week, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

By WireUnwired Editorial Team

WIREUNWIRED BRIEF

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk ordered the Starlink speed restrictions that blindsided Ukraine’s military last week, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The decision conflicted with Musk's prior public statements claiming that all military Starlink decisions are controlled by the US government and President Trump.

The restriction capped communication terminal speeds at 160 kilometers per hour, rendering Ukrainian Starshield military drones travelling faster than that threshold virtually useless. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the equipment stops functioning at speeds between 130 and 161 kilometers per hour, and confirmed the restrictions have not been completely lifted.

While both Musk and Trump denied ordering the slowdown, unnamed US officials told the Journal that Musk made the final call after speaking with senior administration officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the administration had no foreknowledge of the slowdown and that Trump cannot direct private companies like SpaceX.

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SOURCE & ATTRIBUTION

Ars Technica

Original author: Jon Brodkin

Original publication: 22 October 2026 00:05

Read full story on Ars Technica ↗

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STORY TITLE:
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk Ordered Starlink Speed Restrictions That Impaired Ukraine Military Drones
SOURCE:
Ars Technica
ORIGINAL URL:
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/10/report-says-musk-not-trump-ordered-starlink-throttling-that-blindsided-ukraine/

SOURCE EXCERPT:
Musk and Trump both denied ordering Starlink slowdown. WSJ reports it was Musk.

Last updated 22 October 2026 03:23

Original sourceArs Technica ↗