Musk: Starlink is being limited for Ukraine so that Russia doesn't shoot down satellites
Billionaire Elon Musk explained the limitations in the operation of Starlink satellite communications for the Armed Forces of Ukraine with concerns that Russia might start destroying the company's satellites. The head of SpaceX wrote about this on the social network X.
Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump. Photo: AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
Musk was responding to a report about the possibility of Russia destroying space satellites. According to him, this is one of the main reasons why Starlink must remain a civilian system.
It, he said, can be used to support military infrastructure operations, but not for overtly offensive strikes that could make the satellites a legitimate target for a retaliatory attack.
Musk also warned that the destruction of Starlink satellites could trigger a chain reaction of destruction and lead to the formation of a huge cloud of space debris. This, he said, could make space unusable.
In mid-October 2026, the Armed Forces of Ukraine faced limitations in the operation of Starlink satellite communication terminals, or more precisely, its military version Starshield. At drone speeds exceeding 160 kilometers per hour, communication ceased to function.
Western media reported that the restrictions for Ukrainian military personnel were introduced on Musk's initiative. He later accused Ukraine of using Starlink for "offensive" drone strikes. The Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that this is "technically impossible," as Starlink does not operate over Russian territory.