Ross Gerber criticizes Starlink's reliability for Ukraine's national security

SpaceX investor Ross Gerber told CNN on Wednesday that he is “disgusted” by the recent slowdown of Starlink service in Ukraine, a move he says has hurt the Ukrainian military’s ability to fight. Gerber, who runs the investment firm Gerber Kawasaki, said the decision was “strategically horrendous” and implied that the service is now only reliable for “anybody but Trump.” He made the comments while appearing on a live interview, emphasizing his frustration as a shareholder.

The slowdown follows a series of public statements by SpaceX founder Elon Musk that have raised doubts about the company’s commitment to Ukraine. In early March, Musk announced he would pause new orders for Starlink terminals in Ukraine, citing concerns about “over‑use” and the need to conserve capacity for other customers. The pause coincided with a broader debate in Washington over how much private satellite internet should be used for military purposes. Ukraine has relied on Starlink since early 2022 to maintain communications after Russian forces targeted its terrestrial networks. The service has been credited with keeping command centers, hospitals, and schools online, especially in regions where the grid is damaged.

Ukrainian officials have warned that reduced bandwidth could hamper real‑time intelligence sharing and drone operations. The Ministry of Defense said the slowdown cut the number of active terminals by roughly 20 percent, limiting video feeds and data transmission. In the United States, several members of Congress have called for a review of SpaceX’s contracts, arguing that national security cannot depend on a single private provider whose leadership can change policy on a whim. A senior Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the department is exploring backup satellite options but warned that alternatives are not yet ready for large‑scale deployment.

Gerber’s outburst adds pressure on SpaceX to clarify its policy. Analysts expect the company to face a congressional hearing in the coming weeks, where lawmakers will likely ask about the criteria for throttling service and the role of political influence. If SpaceX does not commit to a more stable supply, Ukraine could seek other commercial satellite firms or push for a dedicated government‑run network. The outcome will shape how private tech firms are integrated into future conflicts and may set a precedent for the reliability of civilian infrastructure used for defense.