Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, appears to be functioning normally again in Ukraine after a recent disruption. The Ukrainian military’s use of Starshield, the specialized, military-grade version of Starlink, was affected for about 10 days. During this period, Ukrainian drones lost internet connectivity at speeds around 100 miles per hour, which compromised some drone operations and made others more vulnerable on the battlefield.

The interruptions came amid reports that Elon Musk ordered a throttling of Starlink’s service to Ukraine. Sources indicate that Musk’s decision followed discussions with the Trump administration, as former President Donald Trump reportedly called Musk to request the restoration of Starlink’s full functionality. Both Musk and Trump have criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with Musk suggesting Ukraine misused the service for offensive drone strikes.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Evgeniy Khmara said that while Starshield seems to be back to regular service, Ukrainian forces are still conducting tests and have yet to receive a clear explanation for why the restrictions were implemented. Musk defended the throttling, asserting that Ukraine’s use of Starlink violated the company’s terms of service, and warned that cutting off Starlink would cause the Ukrainian front line to collapse immediately.

The episode highlights the complex intersection of technology, geopolitics, and military operations in modern conflict zones. Starlink has been a critical communication tool for Ukraine, and its temporary disruption raised serious concerns about the reliability and control of privately operated technology infrastructures during wartime. As of now, SpaceX has restored the service, allowing Ukraine’s military to regain their connectivity for ongoing operations.