Exclusive | Musk Ordered Starlink Slowdown That Blindsided Ukraine

According to Reuters, Musk last week ordered the slowdown of a military-grade version of SpaceX's Starlink satellite service that Ukraine relies on[2], the Journal reported, citing US officials and people familiar with the matter.Investing.com reports that Musk imposed a speed cap on October 14, rendering some Ukrainian attack and interceptor drones virtually ineffective[3], according to the Journal. The outlet adds that Ukrainian officials said the restrictions had hampered strike operations and air defences, with some claiming Russian missiles had evaded interception.[3]CNBC reports that Musk and President Trump discussed the move to throttle Starlink "soon after" the change first became public last week, two people told the Journal.[4] According to CNBC, one of the people claimed that Musk discussed the matter with multiple senior Trump administration officials, including the president himself, prior to imposing the Starlink speed cap.[4]The Hill reports that Musk initially said in a post to the social platform X, which he owns, that only President Trump or the U.S. military could have ordered the slowdown.[5] According to CNBC, Trump said Monday that he did not know who ordered the Starlink interruption, "But I'd like to find out."[4]The Washington Times reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters Tuesday that the U.S. had not pulled anything back and had made no directives[6].According to The Hill, Zelensky said after the slowdown that "people will die" and called the move a "big mistake."[5]Reuters says that Musk, SpaceX and the White House did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.[2]