Elon Musk says Starlink was never allowed to be used for drone strikes

Musk's statement on the rules of use

Elon Musk said on Saturday that Starlink has never been allowed to be used for offensive drone strikes, defending restrictions on the satellite internet service that Ukraine relies on to maintain communications in its years-long war with Russia.

The closed loophole and military Starshield

The billionaire said that SpaceX, which operates Starlink, closed a loophole in the rules last week, while drawing a distinction between Starlink and Starshield — a military system controlled by the US government. the front line would. He characterized that statement as a factual assessment rather than a threat.

Reaction in the US and Ukraine

Shortly after Musk's statement, US President Donald Trump told reporters that he had spoken with Musk about the situation in Ukraine, but declined to give details. Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Ustinov said on Saturday that after several days of reduced speeds, the previous connection speed had been restored following high-level contacts, the state agency Ukrinform reports.

Context and significance

Musk also said that SpaceX has done more for Ukraine's defense than any other private company, and condemned those who advocate continuing the fighting without offering realistic solutions. This event matters to readers because the resilience of frontline communications depends on a single commercial service: according to Musk, shutting down Starlink would lead to the immediate collapse of the front line, and the Ukrainian side confirmed that speeds had been restored after negotiations. The practical consequence is tighter control over the use of the service: SpaceX closed a loophole in the rules, which directly affects the Ukrainian military's drone capabilities.