The key facts
- According to WSJ, on October 14 Musk introduced a speed limit for Starshield equipment, above which the connection was cut off.
- The publication claims the decision complicated the use of Ukrainian strike drones and interceptor drones.
- According to one of WSJ's sources, Musk acted without a direct order from Trump; Trump himself said he does not know who gave the order.
Restriction of Starshield's Operation
Elon Musk personally ordered restrictions on the operation of the Starshield military satellite system for Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing American officials and other informed sources. According to the publication, the restrictions were introduced on October 14: Musk ordered a speed limit to be set for the movement of equipment, above which the connection to the satellite system was cut off.
Consequences for Ukrainian Drones
As WSJ notes, the decision seriously complicated the use of Ukrainian strike drones and interceptor drones — some of them effectively lost the ability to carry out their assigned tasks.
Who Made the Decision
One of the newspaper's sources claims that Musk acted on his own, without a direct order from US President Donald Trump. Trump himself previously told journalists that he does not know who ordered the shutdown of Starlink in Ukraine, and expressed a desire to look into the situation.
Context
According to the publication, the decision followed against the backdrop of Washington's displeasure with Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. Trump linked these strikes to rising energy prices.
