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Musk reportedly restricted Ukraine's access to SpaceX network, sources say

Hegseth says the Pentagon issued no directives as Trump seeks details on who ordered the slowdown.

Updated Oct 22, 2026 · 10:24 UTC7 reports

The short version

  • People familiar with the matter said Elon Musk chose to restrict Ukraine's access to SpaceX's satellite network.[CBS News]
  • Ukraine's Ministry of Defense sources said SpaceX unilaterally imposed the Starshield restrictions, while some U.S. officials believe Musk acted alone.[Deutsche Welle · CBS News]
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon has not manipulated the service or issued directives, while Trump is seeking details on who ordered the slowdown.[CBS News]
  • Musk wrote on X that the U.S. military and ultimately the president decide limits, and Zelenskyy told NBC News that limits remained.[CBS News]

Key facts

  • Sources told CBS News that Elon Musk chose to restrict Ukraine's access to SpaceX's satellite network.[CBS News]
  • The Wall Street Journal was first to report on Musk's order to curtail service.[CBS News]
  • Ukraine's Ministry of Defense sources said SpaceX unilaterally imposed the Starshield restrictions.[CBS News]
  • Some U.S. officials believed Musk acted unilaterally and that Trump did not specifically order retribution against Ukraine, according to a report.[Deutsche Welle]
  • Hegseth said the Pentagon has not manipulated the service and has issued no directives.[CBS News]
  • Trump said he was seeking details on who ordered the slowdown.[CBS News]
  • Musk wrote on X that limits on speed or usage are decided by the U.S. military and ultimately the president.[CBS News]
  • Zelenskyy told NBC News on Sunday that limits on Ukraine's Starshield service remained.[CBS News]

What remains uncertain

  • Who ordered the slowdown remains unresolved, and accounts conflict on whether Musk acted alone.[Deutsche Welle · CBS News]
  • Musk did not respond to a request for comment, so his account of the order is unconfirmed.[CBS News]
  • The current status of the limits is unclear beyond Zelenskyy's Sunday statement that they remained.[CBS News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.