Elon Musk's latest clash with Ukraine underscores the critical role that his company's Starlink satellite internet service has played in Kyiv's defense against Russia, which invaded unprovoked in 2022.
It's also laid bare the downsides of depending on a single provider for satellite internet communications, though other options are not yet comparable to SpaceX's Starlink and its military-grade Starshield offering.
On Oct. 14, Ukrainian officials accused SpaceX of undermining the country's ability to defend itself.
SpaceX and the U.S., they said, had suddenly and without warning imposed speed limits on Starshield. SpaceX describes Starshield as a "secured satellite network for government entities" that "leverages Starlink technology."
The changes cut wireless internet connectivity in drones and other aircraft moving at speeds over 100 miles per hour that Ukrainian forces were using in the campaign against Russia. A Ukrainian senior commander told The New York Times the Starlink restrictions cost his unit more than $1 million and delayed missions by 3 days.