Rubio Rejects US Government Role in Starlink Restrictions in Ukraine
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, India's financial capital, Rubio stressed that Starlink operates as a private company and makes decisions according to its contractual obligations and service conditions.
“Starlink is a private company. They have a contract. They have contractual terms upon how that technology can be used. The important point is we cannot direct a private company as to the decisions they make or not make,” Rubio said.
The secretary of state is visiting India for a three-day trip.
Rubio also insisted that neither US President Donald Trump nor any other government official had asked for changes to the satellite internet system, reiterating Washington's position that it had not initiated the reported restrictions.
“What I can tell you with certainty is the president of the United States, nor anyone in our system, ever requested that any changes to that system be made, and that's what we said repeatedly,” Rubio said.
Reports Point To Musk's Decision To Restrict Starlink Speeds
Rubio's comments followed a report published Tuesday alleging that SpaceX founder Elon Musk had ordered a reduction in the performance of a military-grade Starlink service used by Ukrainian forces.
According to US officials familiar with the matter, the reported measure limited the speeds available through Ukraine's satellite internet connection, potentially leaving some military drones with severely reduced operational capabilities.
The reports raised questions about the role of privately operated satellite communications systems in supporting Ukraine's military operations and the extent to which their owners can influence access to critical technology during wartime.
Musk responded on X hours after news of the reported slowdown emerged, writing that "any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS," referring to the president of the United States.
Trump, however, told reporters Monday that he was unaware of who had been responsible for the reported restrictions, adding: "but I would like to find out."
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also addressed the issue on Tuesday, stating that "we haven't pulled anything back," while acknowledging that "Starlink has the option to make decisions concerning its terms of service."
The differing statements have drawn attention to the relationship between private technology providers and government authorities, particularly when satellite connectivity supports military activities. The precise circumstances surrounding the reported slowdown and the decisions that led to it remain central to the dispute.
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