WSJ: Musk Personally Ordered Starlink Speed Limits in Ukraine doomsday clock
Elon Musk personally ordered restrictions on the speed of the military version of Starlink in Ukraine, rendering some Ukrainian attack and interceptor drones practically unusable, amid tensions over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries doomsday clock. [1]
Musk Orders Starlink Speed Limits
The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk directed the reduction in speed for Ukrainian equipment connecting to the satellite network last week. [1] This change left some attack and interceptor drones practically useless. [1] Both Musk and President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Ukraine over its strikes on Russian oil refineries, which Trump views as contributing to high energy prices. [1] Ukrainian officials stated that the restriction allowed Russian missiles to bypass air defence systems. [1] Musk wrote on X that any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately the president of the United States. [1] Trump told journalists on 19 October that he did not know who was responsible for reducing Starlink speeds but would like to find out. [1] Some US officials claimed Musk acted unilaterally without a specific order from Trump for retaliatory measures. [1] A source familiar with the situation said Musk had spoken to several administration officials, including Trump, before introducing the speed restriction. [1] Reuters had reported earlier that the order to restrict Starshield came directly from the White House. [1]
Trump-Musk Consultations and White House Response
Musk and Trump discussed the Starlink speed restriction decision during a phone call shortly after news became public. [1] They had spoken about the issue even before the restriction was implemented. [1] Public complaints by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said Ukrainians could die without restored access, prompted widespread confusion and an unofficial White House investigation. [1] SpaceX representatives contacted White House counterparts to reach a common understanding and issue a joint statement that the company and administration had coordinated actions before the order. [1] Some US officials maintained that Musk acted unilaterally. [1]
Oslo Talks Yield Progress on Peace Framework
US and Ukrainian officials described the talks in Oslo as constructive and productive. [2] [3] Ukraine brought forward new ideas and proposals on security guarantees, a post-war economic plan, and a broader European security architecture. [2] Participants made meaningful progress toward a coordinated approach to engaging Russia. [2] Zelenskyy thanked Washington for the resumption of early warnings of Russian missile attacks, stating that the intelligence sharing now works and is very important for civilians. [2] [3] He discussed supplies of Patriot missile interceptors and the Starlink system with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. [2] Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and Finnish President Alexander Stubb also participated and noted the positive tone. [2] [3]
Witkoff Heads to Meet Putin
US envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Saint Petersburg to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday following the Oslo discussions. [5] The trip aims to create a pathway toward direct trilateral and broader multilateral negotiations. [2] Jared Kushner participated virtually in related meetings. [3] [5] Rubio described the preceding talks with Zelenskyy as positive and noted that Witkoff would share the new Ukrainian proposals with the Russian side. [5] Trump stated that he had asked Putin to release American Stephen Hubbard and urged Ukraine to make a deal to settle the war. [5]
Ongoing Tensions Over Military Support doomsday clock
Zelenskyy reported that the Pentagon is delaying delivery of Patriot interceptors already paid for by European countries, with the shipment awaiting approval from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. [3] [5] Rubio acknowledged that a consignment of interceptors may not have been delivered but denied any deliberate policy change to harm Ukraine. [2] Hegseth stated that policy toward Ukraine had not changed and emphasized the need to maintain US stockpiles. [2] Russia has escalated strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, with attacks reported in seven regions overnight and additional strikes in Lviv and Kyiv. [2] Trump has criticized Zelenskyy for not accepting terms offered during a February 2025 Oval Office meeting and called for him to make a deal. [3] [5]
Background on US-Ukraine Relations
Relations deteriorated after Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel in a deal with Putin and issued a broad waiver of tougher sanctions. [2] [3] Trump said the moves would help reduce high fuel prices ahead of midterm elections. [2] Ukraine held back strikes on Russian oil refineries for several days in response to Trump’s request but resumed after Russia showed no sign of complying. [2] Zelenskyy insisted that Ukraine must participate in any negotiations regarding its future. [3] [5] Trump has repeatedly urged Zelenskyy to reach a peace agreement, noting that Russia continues to advance. [2]
