Zelensky Accuses Russia of Intensified Attacks, Musk Restores Starlink Services

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Russia conducted thousands of attacks in the past week before SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, reinstated Starlink and Starshield satellite services in Ukraine. These services are vital for the country’s military communications and logistics.

In a post on X, Zelensky revealed that Moscow launched approximately 1,600 guided bombs, 48 missiles, including ballistic ones, and nearly 2,300 attack drones within a week. He lamented the daily loss of life and injuries caused by these brutal strikes.

Zelensky said, “Unfortunately, almost every day, these brutal strikes leave people killed and injured.”

Ukraine’s access to restored satellite links was crucial for frontline operations, previously disrupted by restrictions that affected communication speeds. Zelensky announced that the speeds had improved, facilitating military logistics and defense against Russian drones.

Musk accused Kyiv of breaching SpaceX’s commercial terms by using Starlink for offensive drone activities, but Ukrainian officials denied the allegation. Musk clarified that Starshield, the military-grade network, remains under control of the U.S. government.

In denial of any involvement from the U.S. administration, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated there was no interference from their side in service disruptions.

Recent attacks in Ukraine resulted in four deaths and 22 injuries, including an 11-year-old child in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Drone strikes continued causing havoc, injuring civilians in Vinnytsia, and targeting emergency responders in Kharkiv.

Russia has not publicly countered these accusations, aside from the Defense Ministry confirming a logistics center strike in Kharkiv, as reported by Reuters.

The interrupted services hampered Ukraine’s drone interception abilities against Russian attacks, according to Ukraine’s defense ministry.

The White House denied ordering Starlink slowdowns. Reuters reported claims from unnamed U.S. sources that the instruction came from within the U.S. administration. A senior U.S. official, however, denied any presidential orders regarding the matter, and Senator Rubio emphasized there was no governmental influence on SpaceX’s decisions.

Zelensky expressed gratitude for the restored connectivity, thanking American officials and partners for their support in a video message, conveying appreciation to Congress, the State Department, and President Biden.