Serhii Beskrestnov, a defence technology adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Sunday said existing restrictions on the network’s use in Ukraine prevented such operations. Ukraine has rejected trillionaire Elon Musk’s claim that its military violated the terms of service of the Starlink satellite internet network by using it for offensive drone strikes against Russia.
The disagreement comes after restrictions on satellite connectivity disrupted Ukrainian drone operations and communications for over a week.
“It’s very strange that Elon Musk doesn’t know about the restrictions on Starlink’s operation in Ukraine,” Beskrestnov said, as per AFP. “Using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people has never been allowed, nor should it be,” Musk wrote on X. He alleged that Ukraine’s military had violated the service’s terms and said the loophole had been closed the previous week.
Ukraine said on Saturday that access to Starlink and its military-focused counterpart, Starshield, had been restored to previous speeds.
Earlier reporting noted: Earlier this month, Ukrainian drones connected to Starshield lost connectivity at high speeds, affecting air defence operations during daily Russian attacks. Musk also claimed that the US government controlled decisions involving Starshield, a separate, military-grade satellite communications system used by Ukraine’s armed forces. “Starshield, a different system, is controlled by the US government. US President Donald Trump denied making the decision to impose the restrictions, while vice president JD Vance indicated that the White House coordinated with Musk on the issue. Ukraine’s defence minister, Yevhenii Khmara, credited direct dialogue and Zelensky’s diplomatic engagement with the US for the restoration. The Ukrainian president asked international partners to strengthen the country’s air defences as Russian attacks continued. The episode has added to tensions between Kyiv and Washington, whose relationship has already been strained by disagreements over US policy towards Russia.
What they decide to do is up to them,” he said. Musk said Starlink remained essential to Ukraine’s defence, arguing that losing access to the system would have serious consequences for the frontline. The attacks affected nine regions and damaged power plants, grain storage facilities, civilian homes and commercial properties, according to Zelensky. Earlier reporting noted: According to the Associated Press (AP), Serhii Beskrestnov, a defence technology adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said existing restrictions on Starlink’s operation in Ukraine made such offensive use impossible.
Earlier reporting noted: US President Donald Trump has maintained that he did not make the decision, while Vice President JD Vance has hinted at coordination between the White House and Musk. Zelensky said on Saturday that Ukraine’s satellite connectivity had returned to the speeds available before the restrictions were imposed. Ukrainian officials said the speed restrictions were lifted on Saturday and service was restored.
