SpaceX recently slowed Starshield, the military version of Starlink used by Ukraine's army. Terminals moving above certain speeds lost access, and drone interceptors stopped working mid-flight.
That made it easier for Russia to hit Ukrainian energy sites. Reports link the change to two deaths and at least 17 injuries. Ukraine says it was given no warning.
🔍 The Backstory
President Zelenskyy called the limit a message from the United States. Elon Musk and the White House then blamed each other. Later reports said Musk suggested the idea, or ordered it himself.
SpaceX has restricted Starlink in Ukraine before, including in 2022 during a planned counterattack. Experts warn that one company now handles most Western launches and much of its satellite internet. That puts a huge amount of power in private hands.
🎯 Why It Matters
One unelected businessman can change the course of a war. That much control over satellites and rockets affects every country's security.
SpaceX recently slowed Starshield, the military version of Starlink used by Ukraine's army. Terminals moving above certain speeds lost access, and drone interceptors stopped working mid-flight.
That made it easier for Russia to hit Ukrainian energy sites. Reports link the change to two deaths and at least 17 injuries. Ukraine says it was given no warning.
President Zelenskyy called the limit a message from the United States. Elon Musk and the White House then blamed each other. Later reports said Musk suggested the idea, or ordered it himself.
SpaceX has restricted Starlink in Ukraine before, including in 2022 during a planned counterattack. Experts warn that one company now handles most Western launches and much of its satellite internet. That puts a huge amount of power in private hands.
One unelected businessman can change the course of a war. That much control over satellites and rockets affects every country's security.