Musk accuses Ukraine's military of breaking Starlink terms, says service was used in drone attacks

A new controversy has erupted over Elon Musk's satellite internet service Starlink in the war between Russia and Ukraine. SpaceX chief Musk has accused Ukraine's military of breaking Starlink's terms and conditions. He says Starlink is a civilian internet service but was used for offensive drone attacks. For this reason, Ukraine's use of Starlink was restricted.

When Starlink's internet service suddenly stopped working in Ukraine during the war, it set off discussion around the world. While analysts were still speculating, Musk posted on the social media platform X that Ukraine's military had violated Starlink's terms of service. He said Starlink is a commercial and civilian internet service and that using it to kill people is wrong.

Musk specifically said the service had been used in drone attacks. According to him, Ukraine was never permitted to use the service to kill human beings. He also said the technical loophole that allowed such use has been closed.

After Starlink's service was cut last week, Ukraine's military faced difficulties. Communication systems for fast-moving drones and military equipment were particularly affected. It has emerged that communication between soldiers, military supplies and the ability to respond to Russian drone attacks were also affected.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced on October 24 that the Starlink and Starshield services had been restored to their earlier speed. Ukraine's defence minister also said the service had stabilised. Musk clarified that Starshield is a separate military system controlled by the US government.

Musk also warned that if the Starlink service were shut down completely, Ukraine's front could weaken and collapse.

Musk's statement has revived debate over Ukraine's military actions and its relations with the United States. It is being said that by using Starlink in this war, Ukraine has inflicted heavy losses on Russia. Questions are also being put to Musk: where was his humanity when about 160 young boys and girls were killed together in a US attack in Iran, and why is he now showing his morality by accusing Ukraine in the name of that same humanity.

The episode has again raised the question of the importance of private companies' satellite internet services in modern warfare and who should control them.