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Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, has been providing internet services to Ukraine through its Starlink project. This was done in response to cyberattacks from Russia that severely damaged Ukraine’s digital infrastructure during the early stages of the invasion in February last year. Ukraine decided to set up a new system through SpaceX because it was seen as a safe option, as attacking a range of satellite dishes would be required to dismantle it.

However, this arrangement made Ukraine vulnerable to Musk’s whims as he had the power to turn off internet access on a whim. In September last year, SpaceX informed the Pentagon that it could not further donate terminals to Ukraine or fund the existing terminals indefinitely. The following month, SpaceX requested that Ukraine start paying for the services, which were estimated to cost 0 million a year.

During this time, Ukraine was experiencing frequent blackouts due to missile attacks from Russia, highlighting the importance of internet access for defense efforts. Musk reportedly became increasingly uneasy with the fact that his technology was being used for warfare. In September, he suggested negotiating with Vladimir Putin and proposed his own peace plan with new borders for Ukraine and Russia.

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed his anger at Musk’s change in stance. Ukrainian forces faced issues when they moved into contested territory and their Starlink connection stopped working, leaving some units stranded. The Pentagon’s under-secretary of defense for policy, Colin Kahl, had an urgent phone call with Musk to ensure internet access for Ukraine. Despite treating Musk as a diplomat or statesman due to his influence, Kahl reminded him that cutting off the internet would not end the war.

Musk had allegedly spoken with Putin about Ukraine, although he denied it. It seems that Musk was concerned about the use of his technology for war and had a change of heart after his conversation with Putin. Ultimately, Musk decided to continue funding the Ukrainian government, despite Starlink’s financial losses. The Pentagon, however, remains uneasy about relying on a private business under Musk’s control for such a vital service.

(Source: The New Yorker)

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