From Mumbai, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized on Wednesday that the decision-making regarding Ukraine's access to the Starlink satellite network is solely in the hands of SpaceX and its CEO, Elon Musk, rather than the White House, according to a Reuters report.
Rubio clarified that the service is governed by a private commercial contract which dictates its usage parameters and the speeds that SpaceX can offer. He firmly denied any involvement from President Trump or any government officials in altering Ukraine's access.
He mentioned that, as far as he is aware, the service has been restored, although he admitted uncertainty about whether the administration was informed prior to any decision to throttle the service.
Controversy Over Starlink Throttling
The issue arose on Tuesday when the Wall Street Journal reported that Musk himself ordered the speed limitation of Starshield, SpaceX's military version, used by Ukraine. This information came from U.S. officials and individuals familiar with the matter.
The restriction, reportedly implemented around October 13-14, severely hampered the functionality of certain Ukrainian attack and interceptor drones. The imposed speed limit of roughly 161 km/h rendered these drones ineffective against Russian Shahed devices traveling at approximately 370 km/h.
Political Tensions and Conflicting Claims
The political landscape adds complexity to the situation. Both Trump and Musk have expressed discontent over Ukrainian strikes on Russian diesel refineries, with Trump associating these actions with rising energy prices in the United States.
Conflicting accounts about responsibility prevail. Musk claims that the U.S. military ultimately decides on Starshield's speed limits, with the final say resting with the president. Meanwhile, Trump denied ordering such measures and claimed ignorance of Musk's involvement.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attributed the issue to the service's terms and conditions, dismissing any idea that the U.S. had withdrawn access.
Ukraine and the Global Implications
On October 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the limitation remained in place. He noted that Rubio assured him in a call that efforts were being made to "unlock" the throttling issue.
The 45-minute conversation, held on Tuesday, also delved into the shortage of missile interceptors and intelligence sharing, both contentious topics in the bilateral relationship.
Rubio strongly refuted claims that Washington was withholding information that could endanger Ukrainian lives, labeling such accusations as "outrageous."
Unlike the commercial Starlink, Starshield employs enhanced encryption and specialized terminals tailored for national security missions under U.S. government contracts, complicating the differentiation between corporate and state policies.
Musk's dual role as both a private entrepreneur and a close advisor to Trump lies at the heart of the debate. Rubio, speaking to the press, underscored that Ukraine is not being intentionally deprived of anything, but rather it's about balancing obligations to other partners and adhering to the U.S.'s own standards and requirements for its facilities.
As Ukraine grapples with an increasing shortage of interceptors amid Russian aerial pressure, a record was set in April 2026 with over 6,700 drones and missiles launched in a single month.
Understanding the Starlink Situation in Ukraine
What is the role of SpaceX in Ukraine's access to Starlink?
SpaceX, under the leadership of Elon Musk, holds the responsibility for decisions regarding Ukraine's access to the Starlink network, as it is governed by a private commercial contract.
Why was there a speed limitation on Starshield?
The speed limitation on Starshield was reportedly ordered by Musk around mid-October, affecting Ukrainian drones' effectiveness. The restriction was said to be based on the service's terms and conditions.
How does the political context affect the Starlink situation?
Political tensions between Trump, Musk, and Ukrainian actions on Russian refineries contribute to the complexity of the Starlink situation, with conflicting claims about responsibility for the speed limitations.