Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Space X CEO Elon Musk to restore Starlink services, warning that restrictions on the satellite system could cost lives as Russia continues its attacks
on Ukraine. Musk, however, said restrictions on usage and speed were decided by the US government and military.
Speaking to British journalist Piers Morgan, Zelenskyy called the disruption a “big mistake” and appealed for the service to be switched back on.
“If attacks will continue and if Starlink will not work, people will die,” he said. “I hope that it’s mistake, maybe huge technical problem. But we are asking to switch on.”
Zelenskyy: It’s a big mistake turning off Starlink. This decision will bring a lot of human losses.
If attacks will continue and if Starlink will not work, people will die. I hope that it’s mistake, maybe huge technical problem. But we are asking to switch on. pic.twitter.com/0jEe5OIWp6
— Tymofiy Mylovanov (@Mylovanov) October 14, 2026
Starlink Disruption Raises Alarm
Ukraine relies on satellite communications and related technology to support its military operations, including the use of drones and battlefield communications.
Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov later said Starlink’s operation at speeds of up to 160 kmph was being restored, adding that strike drones and interceptor drones should be able to fly again.
Musk said any restrictions were not the responsibility of his company, SpaceX. He distinguished between Starshield, which is owned and controlled by the US government, and the civilian Starlink system.
“Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS,” Musk said, referring to US President Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy Criticises Washington
Kyiv has also accused Washington of failing to provide timely warnings about incoming Russian missile strikes and of threatening to withhold intelligence used to track launches. Trump denied on Tuesday that the US had stopped providing such warnings.
A senior Ukrainian official accused Washington of helping Moscow, while Zelenskyy’s adviser Sergiy Beskrestnov said the restrictions were undermining Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian drones.
Zelenskyy also said he felt betrayed by Trump’s decision to announce a diesel-supply deal with Russia.
“It’s painful when President Trump chooses one side, not our side,” he said. “I think his advisors are wrong. I don’t know who is pushing him not to the right side. This is not (the) right side of history.”
Fresh Russian Strikes Kill 15
The dispute comes after a fresh wave of Russian attacks killed 15 people across Ukraine and damaged energy infrastructure, knocking out power in parts of Kyiv.
Zelenskyy condemned Moscow for launching ballistic missiles at the capital on two consecutive nights, saying the attacks showed “ostentatious disrespect” towards the United States.
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia was watching developments but warned against drawing conclusions about a possible shift in US policy towards Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev said Moscow and Washington were in close contact over the proposed diesel-supply deal, with the first contracts expected in the coming days.
(With inputs from agencies)
