Tech billionaire Elon Musk has called for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to leave office, as tensions mount over reported restrictions on satellite communications used by Kyiv’s military in its war against Russia.
Musk, the chief executive of SpaceX, blamed the United States government for any limitations affecting Ukraine’s access to the company’s satellite communication systems, saying the decisions rested with the US military and President Donald Trump.
His comments came amid growing concerns in Kyiv over Washington’s support, with Ukrainian officials accusing the United States of undermining the country’s defence efforts through reported changes to its satellite communications and intelligence-sharing arrangements.
In a post on X, Musk argued that the continued bloodshed in Ukraine was reason for Zelensky to step aside.
Musk’s remarks followed a post by Ukraine’s former defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, who said Starlink connectivity at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour was being restored, while the removal of speed restrictions on Starshield remained critical to Ukraine’s defence.
Starshield, a SpaceX satellite communications system designed for government and military use, is relied upon by Ukraine for battlefield communications. Kyiv also uses the civilian Starlink network, although its use for offensive operations is restricted.
Ukrainian defence officials have raised concerns that reduced speeds on some internet terminals could affect military operations, including strikes on Russian-occupied territory and the deployment of interceptor drones.
Kyiv has also accused Washington of failing to provide timely warnings of incoming Russian missile attacks. The concerns followed two consecutive nights of ballistic missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital before air raid sirens sounded to alert residents.
A senior Ukrainian official further alleged that Washington had recently threatened to suspend intelligence-sharing on Russian missile launches, which Ukraine uses to prepare for and counter attacks. Trump has denied that the United States halted intelligence support.
The dispute comes as Trump faces mounting domestic pressure over rising fuel prices ahead of next month’s crucial midterm elections. The US president has blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries for contributing to supply constraints and higher petrol prices.
Democratic lawmakers in the United States have criticised the administration over the reported communication disruptions, arguing that the restrictions could weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian attacks.
Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee accused Trump of making decisions that benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin, while describing the reported restrictions as unacceptable amid continued Russian drone and missile attacks.
In the Senate, Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, called for the immediate removal of restrictions on Ukraine’s access to Starshield, warning that lives were at stake.
Shaheen also said the Defence Department was required to notify Congress if it suspended or reduced intelligence-sharing with Ukraine. She urged Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide immediate notification if any such changes had been made.
