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Elon Musk says SpaceX restricted Starlink in Ukraine, faces bipartisan scrutiny

techOct 25, 202698527

Elon Musk said SpaceX limited Starlink service in Ukraine after Kyiv reported a disruption and later said speeds were restored. Musk accused Ukraine of violating Starlink’s terms of service by using the system to carry out drone strikes, and SpaceX acknowledged the restriction before restoring connectivity. Reporting notes that Starshield, a Pentagon-funded military-grade version of Starlink, has become a backbone for Ukraine’s drone operations. Lawmakers from both parties have demanded oversight and signaled potential hearings into SpaceX’s control of battlefield communications. Ukraine is also urgently exploring alternatives, with at least two Finnish firms advancing satellite plans to reduce reliance on Starlink. The episode has prompted calls for closer review of private companies’ roles in U.S. export policy and battlefield communications support.

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