SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk has placed responsibility for restrictions on Ukraine’s Starshield satellite communications system on the U.S. government, saying decisions about its speed and usage are made by the military and ultimately President Donald Trump.

“Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS,” Musk said in a post on Wednesday.

His comments came after Ukrainian officials reported unexpected speed restrictions on satellite communication terminals used to support battlefield operations. The reported limitations affected military drone missions, logistics and efforts to intercept Russian drones, according to Ukrainian officials.

Musk was responding to a post by Ukraine’s former defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, who said connectivity for terminals operating at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour was being restored. Fedorov also called for the complete removal of Starshield’s speed restrictions, describing unrestricted access as important for Ukraine’s defense.

The dispute has highlighted the distinction between Starshield and Starlink, two satellite communication systems developed by SpaceX. Starlink is the company’s commercial satellite internet service, while Starshield is designed for government and national security applications, including secure military communications.

Although the systems are distinct, they draw on related satellite technology. Ukraine uses satellite connectivity to coordinate military operations, including drone flights and defensive missions.

Musk has argued that Starlink is a commercial service intended for civilian and defensive activities, while Starshield is owned and controlled by the U.S. government. He said decisions about Starshield’s operating limits therefore rest with U.S. authorities rather than SpaceX.

The reported restrictions have raised concerns in Kyiv about the impact on Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian attacks. Ukrainian officials have called for the limits to be removed, while the precise scope and duration of the reported restrictions remain unclear.

The episode underscores Ukraine’s reliance on satellite communications and the strategic importance of decisions governing access to military technology. It also highlights the influence of the U.S. government over systems used in Ukraine’s war effort.

Neither Musk’s comments nor the reported restrictions, on their own, establish that President Trump personally ordered a slowdown. Musk said the U.S. military and ultimately the president have authority over Starshield’s speed and usage limits.