Elon Musk Says SpaceX Restricted Ukraine's Starlink Access Over Military Use Concerns

BBC World · 2026-10-25
Elon Musk Says SpaceX Restricted Ukraine's Starlink Access Over Military Use Concerns

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has confirmed that his company restricted Ukraine's access to the Starlink satellite internet service, citing violations of its terms of service by using the network for military activity. The move comes despite Starlink's critical role in keeping Ukrainian forces and civilians connected during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Musk's comments follow reports of service disruptions near the front lines, which Ukrainian officials said hampered their operations. The billionaire has previously voiced concerns about Starlink being used for offensive drone strikes, fearing escalation. While service has reportedly been restored, the incident raises questions about the reliability of private satellite networks in war zones and the power tech companies wield over national security. For Ukraine, which has relied heavily on Starlink since Russia's invasion, any disruption could have significant battlefield consequences. As the conflict continues, the balance between corporate policy and humanitarian need remains a contentious issue.