Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk approached U.S. President Donald Trump with the idea of restricting Starlink speeds for Ukrainian forces, the Telegraph reported on Oct. 16, citing four sources familiar with the matter.
The news comes after SpaceX abruptly implemented a speed cap on Ukraine's vital Starshield service on Oct. 14, with no warning to Kyiv in advance. The sudden restriction disrupted multiple battlefield operations, including mid-range drone strikes and air defense.
Conflicting reports about the reason for the cutoff — and who was responsible — have left Ukraine with questions even after Starlink service stabilized on the front lines.
But the Telegraph on Oct. 16 reports that Musk suggested the speed limit to Trump, and Trump agreed.
The claim contradicts Musk's own comments on the matter. Following the Oct. 14 disruption, Musk wrote on his social media platform X that any Starlink restrictions applicable to the military were the ultimate decision of the White House. He neglected to mention his own role in the change.