Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, stated on local time yesterday (October 24) that he blocked the Ukrainian military from using the Starlink satellite internet service for attack drone operations last week.

His remarks came after services normalized following disruptions to military operations caused by satellite communication restrictions that lasted for over a week.

Writing on social media platform X yesterday, Musk stated, "The Ukrainian military violated Starlink's terms of service and used it for attack drone operations to kill people," adding, "That loophole was blocked last week."

He emphasized, "Using Starlink, a commercial civilian service, for attack drone operations to kill people has never been permitted, nor should it be."

However, regarding Starshield, a separate military satellite communication system, Musk distanced himself from its operational responsibility, saying, "It is controlled by the U.S. government, and how it is used is up to them to decide."

Based on the Starlink satellite network, Starshield has played a crucial role in the Ukrainian military's drone operations and communications.

In particular, the technology is essential for operating the Ukrainian military's core capability of medium-range drones and intercepting high-speed Russian drones.

However, reports indicate that after Ukraine clashed with the U.S. in mid-October over the "energy truce" proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S.-Russia "transit deal," speed limits were placed on Starshield, causing significant setbacks to Ukraine's military capabilities.

Musk also emphasized that Starlink is essential for Ukraine's defense, going so far as to raise the possibility of a frontline collapse if communication services were cut off.

He argued, "If Starlink were to be cut off, the Ukrainian frontline would immediately collapse," adding, "This is not a threat, but simply stating a fact."

He then criticized those who insist on continuing the war without a realistic solution as "evil warmongers."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that day that communication functions for Starlink and Starshield have been restored to pre-restriction levels.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense also said in a statement released yesterday, "The military version of Starlink, Starshield, is currently operating at speeds exceeding 400 km/h," adding, "Connection stability is also stable."

(Photo: Getty Images)