Zelensky calls Starlink restrictions “a big mistake,” warns Ukrainians will die as military operations are disrupted

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said new restrictions on SpaceX’s Starlink service were “a big mistake” and warned that Ukrainians would die as a result of disrupted military operations.

Asked by Piers Morgan whether people were dying because of Elon Musk’s decision, Zelensky replied, “Of course, people will die.” Addressing Musk directly, he said Ukraine was asking SpaceX to “switch it on” and described the sudden restrictions as “absolutely crazy steps.”

Asked whether he believed Starlink speeds had been deliberately reduced to hurt Ukraine, Zelensky said, “They knew what they did, absolutely.” Ukrainian military officials have separately reported that newly imposed speed limits on Starlink terminals have disrupted drone and battlefield operations. SpaceX has not publicly said the restrictions were intended to damage Ukraine.

Zelensky also said he felt betrayed by President Donald Trump’s recent approach to Russia. “It’s a pity that we are losing a strong partner,” he said, adding that Ukraine could not appear weak or treat its sovereignty as a business transaction. He criticized Trump’s advisers for pushing the president toward what he called “the wrong side of history.”

On energy prices, Zelensky argued that disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, rather than Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, was the real reason for the increase. Shipping through Hormuz has fallen sharply amid escalating attacks in recent weeks.

Zelensky also said Russia was losing about 43,000 troops a month and claimed each Ukrainian soldier was now killing seven to 10 Russian troops. The figures are Ukrainian estimates and cannot be independently verified; recent Ukrainian and NATO estimates have put Russian monthly casualties at more than 40,000 killed or seriously wounded.