MUSK ACCUSES UKRAINE OF VIOLATING STARLINK’S TERMS OF SERVICE

Elon Musk has accused Ukraine’s military of breaching Starlink’s terms of service by using the satellite internet network for offensive drone strikes.

The SpaceX founder made the allegation on X on Saturday, saying the company had closed what he described as a loophole the previous week.

Musk maintained that Starlink was a civilian service and warned that violations of its usage rules could result in access being withdrawn.

His comments followed Ukraine’s announcement that Starlink and the military-focused Starshield system were fully functional again after more than a week of restrictions.

Ukrainian officials said the restrictions had disrupted military operations, including efforts to intercept Russian attack drones.

Responding to Musk’s allegation, Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov disputed the claim. He argued that existing speed and geographical restrictions prevented commercial Starlink terminals from supporting medium-range and deep-strike operations.

The disagreement highlights continuing tensions over the use of SpaceX technology in Ukraine’s defence against Russia.

Although Ukraine reported that service had returned to normal, the two sides offered conflicting accounts of whether its military had violated Starlink’s rules.