Elon Musk has suggested that the United States government may be responsible for restrictions affecting the speed at which Ukrainian weapons can remain connected to SpaceX’s satellite communications network.

Ukrainian officials said unexpected limits introduced on Tuesday night disrupted battlefield missions, with terminals losing connectivity when travelling faster than approximately 100mph, or 160km/h.

The network supports drone operations, air defence and military communications, making reliable access critical to Ukraine’s war effort.

Responding on X, Musk said Starshield, the military service associated with Starlink, was owned and controlled by the US government. He said decisions concerning speed and usage limits rested with the US military and ultimately the president.

President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed for connectivity to be restored, expressing hope that the disruption resulted from a technical problem.

Presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov said Ukrainian forces had received no advance warning and that several missions were disrupted. He suggested the restrictions were linked to political tensions, although that explanation remained unconfirmed.

By Wednesday evening, Ukrainian officials reported improved connections at speeds of up to 160km/h, while calling for the remaining restrictions to be removed.

Musk separately said commercial Starlink services were intended for civilian or defensive activities and should not support offensive military action.

The US government had not explained the restrictions at the time of reporting.

The episode highlights Ukraine’s dependence on privately operated satellite infrastructure and the distinction between commercial communications services and military systems subject to government control, with access decisions carrying immediate consequences for operations on the battlefield.