Elon Musk restricted Ukraine's access to SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield satellite networks beginning around October 22, according to multiple sources citing the decision as unilateral. The restrictions significantly impacted Ukraine's drone operations and battlefield communications. Musk later stated the slowdown was imposed because Ukraine violated the systems' terms of service by using them for offensive drone strikes.

The restrictions remained in place through at least October 24, despite President Donald Trump's public assertion that Musk had lifted them. Ukrainian defense officials confirmed the speed limitations persisted as of Friday, contradicting the president's statement. By October 25, SpaceX restored full operating speeds to both Starlink and Starshield after more than a week of disruptions. The sequence of events—restriction, persistence despite official claims of resolution, and subsequent restoration—has raised questions about decision-making authority over the military satellite systems and their deployment in Ukraine's defense.