Starlink speeds suddenly restricted

SpaceX's Starlink restricted speed limits to one hundred mph on Tuesday night, disrupting Ukraine's ability to guide drones to Russian targets and protect its own skies.

Ukraine blames US government

An adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky said the restrictions were not a coincidence and were related to latest strains between Kyiv and Washington over military strategy.

Zelensky pleads for restoration

President Zelensky told UK media he hoped the restrictions were a technical problem and asked SpaceX to switch the service back on for Ukraine's defence operations.

“I hope that it's a mistake, maybe [a] huge technical problem. I don't know, but we are asking to... switch [it] on.”

Musk: US military controls Starshield

Elon Musk said Starshield is owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately the US president.

“Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS.”

Musk defends commercial boundaries

Musk said Starlink is for civilian or defensive activities and cannot be used for offensive military action, as doing so would be inappropriate for a commercial company.

Partial restoration by Wednesday

Ukraine's former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said connectivity had been partially restored by Wednesday evening and called for the speed limit to be removed entirely.

“Removing Starshield's speed limit entirely is now critical for Ukraine's defense.”

Zelensky visits London amid tensions

During a one-day visit to London, Zelensky agreed he felt betrayed after the US made a deal with Russia to import three hundred thousand tonnes of diesel.

“Really yes... but it's a little bit more complicated than just my emotions or my feelings.”