Elon Musk Reportedly Ordered Restrictions on Ukraine’s Access to SpaceX Satellite Network

Elon Musk reportedly ordered restrictions on Ukraine’s access to SpaceX’s Starshield satellite communications network, disrupting some Ukrainian military drone operations amid rising tensions between Kyiv and the administration of United States President Donald Trump.

According to a report by CBS News published on October 20, 2026, people familiar with the matter said Musk made the decision to limit the service after holding several conversations with officials in the Trump administration. The discussions reportedly focused on the president’s position on the war between Russia and Ukraine and Musk’s concerns about his company being seen as profiting from the continued conflict.

Starshield is a military grade satellite communications system developed by SpaceX for the US government and its partners. It is separate from the company’s civilian Starlink service, although both rely on similar satellite technology.

The system plays an important role in Ukraine’s military operations, helping troops communicate over long distances and supporting the use of drones for attacks and air defence. Ukrainian military personnel told CBS News that they experienced sudden disruptions when the system began limiting connections for fast moving drones.

According to the report, some Ukrainian units experienced connection failures at speeds below 100 kilometres per hour, affecting the ability of certain drones to carry out missions. A Ukrainian drone pilot and analyst estimated that the disruptions had caused losses worth tens of millions of dollars, although that estimate has not been independently verified.

The reported decision has raised questions about the role of private technology companies in military conflicts and the extent to which satellite communications can be restricted during active warfare. Musk previously stated on social media that the US military and ultimately the president determine restrictions on the speed and use of Starshield. However, the Trump administration has denied deliberately ordering a disruption of Ukraine’s satellite services.

President Trump said he wanted to establish who was responsible for the slowdown, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon had not issued a directive to restrict the service. Musk did not respond to CBS News’ request for comment at the time of publication.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that restrictions on satellite communications have affected efforts to intercept Russian attack drones. He has also raised concerns about delays in US military supplies and the lack of advance warnings about some Russian attacks. Washington has denied changing its intelligence-sharing policy.

The dispute comes amid worsening relations between Trump and Zelensky over how to end the war. It has also prompted calls from US lawmakers for an investigation into the satellite restrictions, with concerns that disruptions to battlefield communications could put lives at risk.

The full circumstances surrounding the reported order remain unclear, including how the restrictions were implemented and who ultimately authorised them. The episode highlights Ukraine’s reliance on satellite technology and the strategic influence private companies can have on modern warfare.