Musk’s latest clash with Ukrainian officials highlighted Starlink’s major role in Kyiv’s defense against the Russian invasion launched in 2022. On October 14, SpaceX and the United States abruptly imposed speed limits on Starshield, reducing internet connectivity for Ukrainian drones and other aircraft traveling above 100 miles per hour. A Ukrainian commander said the restrictions cost his unit more than $1 million and delayed missions by three days, while Musk reportedly ordered the change and Donald Trump denied being involved. Ukraine, the European Union and several other countries are now seeking to diversify their satellite communications, but none of SpaceX’s rivals currently matches Starlink’s capacity, coverage, resilience and cost, with more than 11,000 satellites in orbit. Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers have called for an investigation into Musk’s actions, which now gives him control over a communications service considered essential to Ukrainian and U.S. national security.
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