Zelenskyy says interceptors that rely on Starlink failed when the service was blocked
Elon Musk is facing sharp criticism after reports that satellite communication services were restricted in Ukraine while Russian strikes were still hitting the country. The episode has revived an uncomfortable question: how much control should a private company have over technology that a country depends on to fight a war?
Two systems, one controversy
Ukraine has reported disruption to both Starlink and Starshield connectivity. Musk has drawn a line between the two. Starshield, he said, is owned and controlled by the US government, and any limits on its speed or use are decided by the US military and ultimately the President. Starlink, by contrast, is a commercial service run by SpaceX, restricted to civilian or defensive use and not allowed to support offensive military action, since that would be inappropriate for a company.
Lawmakers push back
His explanation has not ended the debate. The Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee called the restrictions unconscionable while missiles and drones were hitting Ukraine. They also said Kyiv was reportedly given no warning of the strikes, and accused the Trump administration of making a choice that helps Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal warned of a dangerous precedent. She linked the disruption to Trump’s earlier suggestion that Ukraine should get a new president, said a majority of battlefield communications had stopped, and noted that Ukraine believes the US ordered it. A single corporation, she argued, should not be able to shut off communications at will, and she demanded answers.
Zelenskyy: “People were killed”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Musk of restricting access in an interview with Piers Morgan. He said Starlink was blocked at about 1 am by SpaceX and the United States, and that those responsible knew what they were doing. Interceptors that depend on Starlink did not work, he said, and people were killed because of it.
Asked whether he was angry with Musk, Zelenskyy said he thinks it is “a big mistake,” adding that he does not know if someone pushed Musk into it. He warned that more deaths are certain if the attacks go on and Starlink stays down.
Ukraine works to restore access
Ukrainian officials are trying to restore connectivity and judge the damage. Mykhailo Fedorov said Starlink connectivity is being restored at speeds of up to 160 km/h and urged that the speed limit on Starshield be removed entirely. He thanked Musk for his support.
According to US media reports, Ukraine’s military operations have been affected. Ukraine was caught off guard by the Starshield restrictions, and two US officials said the decision to limit Ukrainian access was not a high-level policy call. A Ukrainian military source said the complications are substantial and that the front line and occupied territories are most affected. A defence ministry source said the situation seriously complicates logistics, unmanned systems and mid-range strikes. Ukrainian forces use Starlink to run reconnaissance and interceptor drones and to gather intelligence.
The India angle
The row has also drawn attention to India’s careful approach to licensing Starlink, where security concerns are central. India’s Ministry of Communications had earlier rejected claims that its licensing was discriminatory, after Musk said “certain oligarchs” were blocking Starlink’s plans. The ministry said India has a fair, non-discriminatory authorisation framework for satellite communications, that three global satellite-based mobile service providers have been granted licences, and that security compliance remains a prerequisite for moving forward.
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USA President Donal Trump killed many Russians & Ukrainian alike & is a war criminal for he has allowed military defense equipment & Starlink to help Ukrainian defend & die
USA & its administration is an evil & devil itself
USA is a selfish nation, while it purchases all energy from Russia, but sanctions other nations who do the same.
Joker Zelensky is being dictated by EU to speak against Donald Trump whom EU hates. Either way, indeed Donald Trump is a back stabber to everyone – India, EU & USA own citizens.
USA Military defense equipment is often hyped to be the best, when it is not. They had funds from free $$$$ printing which were used to develop equipment. They had evil & devil eyes on all nations & they are original inventors of terrorism in the world.