Abstract:
Ukraine recently claimed that the terminals of the "Starlink" satellite Internet system were subject to speed restrictions, which resulted in the interruption of multiple missions of the Ukrainian army and a sudden escalation of tensions in U.S.-Ukraine relations. U.S. officials and people familiar with the matter revealed that the "Starlink" speed reduction was ordered by Musk, CEO of the U.S. Space Exploration Technology Company (SpaceX). Some commentators pointed out that this decision not only caused panic in Kiev, but also caused chaos within the Trump administration.
This turmoil further highlights Musk's unique influence on the Russia-Ukraine conflict: "Starlink" provides a vital communication lifeline for frontline Ukrainian troops, and Musk seems to be able to change the direction of this deadly conflict with just the press of a switch.
According to CCTV news reports, Uzbek sources said that since the early morning of October 14, mobile "Starlink" terminals have been unilaterally restricted, making it significantly more difficult for drones to perform missions, and reconnaissance and logistics support work have been severely affected. Ukrainian President Zelensky previously admitted that he deeply regrets the difficulties encountered in "Starlink" services and intelligence support.
A report released by the Wall Street Journal on October 20 revealed more details behind the incident. According to two people familiar with the matter, shortly after the news of the "Starlink" speed limit was made public, Musk had a phone call about the matter with U.S. President Trump, who was participating in the campaign at the time. One of the people familiar with the matter also said that Musk and Trump had discussed the matter long before the decision to limit the speed of "Starlink".
People familiar with the matter said that during the public outcry, SpaceX representatives called the White House in an attempt to reach a unified narrative on the incident and convey to the public that the company and the Trump administration had coordinated before Musk issued the order.
A few hours after the speed limit news was made public, Musk posted on social platform
Some U.S. officials said that Musk acted unilaterally and that Trump did not explicitly order retaliation against Ukraine. But a person familiar with the matter said Musk communicated with several senior administration officials, including Trump, before imposing the new speed limits.
Animosity between Trump and Musk toward Zelensky has continued to intensify in recent weeks as Trump seeks to drive down diesel prices ahead of the November midterm elections. Trump blamed high oil prices on Ukraine's attack on Russian energy facilities, but most analysts believe that the Iran war has a more significant impact on rising oil prices.
On October 10, a few days before Starlink was "slowed down," Trump said he had warned Zelensky: "'You can do whatever you want to Russia, but don't touch the refinery, because that is a worldwide problem.' What did he do? He actually hit the diesel facility. He had better stop immediately." Musk immediately responded on the X platform: "Zelensky went too far."
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