World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Musk calls on Zelensky to leave Ukraine’s leadership
Elon Musk called for Volodymyr Zelensky to leave office in a post on X on Oct.
14.
The call came amid a dispute over Ukraine’s access to SpaceX satellite systems used for communications during its war with Russia.
Musk said limits on Starshield were decided by the US military and ultimately President Donald Trump, while distinguishing it from the civilian Starlink system.
Ukraine’s former defence minister said Starlink speeds of up to 160 km/h were being restored and that removing Starshield’s speed limit was important for defence.
Kyiv has questioned US support, accusing Washington of failing to warn it about incoming missile strikes and saying changes to the satellite system have hindered its military response; Trump denied a reported threat to stop intelligence sharing.
US Democratic lawmakers condemned the reported restrictions and called for Congress to be notified of any pause or downgrade in intelligence sharing.
Zelensky’s presidential term officially expired in 2024, but Ukraine has not held elections, citing martial law.
Elon Musk called on Volodymyr Zelensky to leave Ukraine’s leadership, writing, “Time for Zelensky to go.”
Musk’s comment came amid a dispute over reported limits on Ukraine’s use of SpaceX satellite communications systems.
Musk said any limits on Starshield were decided by the US military and ultimately President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian officials have raised concerns about slower connections and questioned US support during Russia’s attacks.
The sources also report disagreement over whether Washington threatened to stop sharing intelligence with Ukraine.
- Who
- Elon Musk called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to leave office.
- What
- Musk wrote, “Time for Zelensky to go,” amid a dispute over satellite communications access.
- When
- Musk made the comment on October 14, according to the Straits Times; TASS reported it on October 15.
- Where
- Musk posted on X. The reported communications dispute concerns Ukraine.
- Why
- The comment followed disagreement over reported limits on Ukraine’s use of SpaceX satellite systems.
Kyiv officials
US administration
Satellite access
Kyiv officials
Ukrainian officials questioned reported slower speeds and said removing Starshield’s speed limit was critical for Ukraine’s defence.
US administration
Musk said any limits on Starshield were decided by the US military and ultimately President Trump.
Intelligence sharing
Kyiv officials
A senior Kyiv official said the United States had threatened to stop providing intelligence about Russian missile launches.
US administration
Trump denied that the United States had threatened to stop sharing intelligence.
US President Donald Trump said Zelensky should hold elections, according to TASS.
Musk wrote on X, “Time for Zelensky to go,” according to the Straits Times.
The Straits Times and TASS published reports on Musk’s comment.
- Musk’s post
- Time for Zelensky to go.
- Post date
- October 14, according to the Straits Times
- Starlink speed
- Mykhailo Fedorov said connectivity at speeds of up to 160kmh was being restored.
- Zelensky’s term
- Officially expired on May 20, 2024, according to TASS
- Trump’s election comment
- Made on October 10, according to TASS
3 sources
What people are saying
Time for Zelensky to go.
removing Starshield’s speed limit entirely is now critical for Ukraine’s defence
restrictions on Ukraine’s access to Starshield must stop immediately