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A recent report published in the New Yorker sheds light on Elon Musk’s significant role within the U.S. government, particularly regarding his efforts to offer Starlink communications technology to Ukraine. The article highlights Musk’s changing public support from Ukraine to Russia and how it affected the availability of the Starlink service.

Starlink is a satellite-based internet connectivity solution provided by Musk’s company, SpaceX. It offers satellite terminals that can be deployed in areas with limited connectivity. When Russia invaded Ukraine, Musk supplied these terminals to Ukrainian troops stationed on the front lines. However, shortly after their deployment, Musk expressed concerns about the cost.

The article describes an incident where Ukrainian forces were advancing into disputed territory in southern Ukraine. As they crossed the border, the Starlink service abruptly stopped working, causing chaos among the troops. The outages occurred during critical moments, including when soldiers breached the frontline into Russian-controlled territory or during intense battles.

The Ukrainian government officials made frantic calls to Ukrainian expats who had fundraised for the Starlink units. Negotiations with Musk, who had been providing the service on a non-contractual basis, ensued. An urgent request for assistance was made, emphasizing the dire situation and loss of lives.

These discussions led to a realization that a formal contract with Musk’s SpaceX was necessary. American and Ukrainian officials suspected that SpaceX had cut off the service using geofencing methods to restrict access to certain areas. Eventually, backchannel negotiations with Musk and the Pentagon convinced him to cease cutting off the service.

In June, the Defense Department announced the signing of a contract with SpaceX to ensure a stable provision of Starlink to Ukraine. The report highlights Musk’s extensive influence within the U.S. government. It mentions that a Pentagon spokesperson informed the reporter, Ronan Farrow, that an interview with an official regarding Musk’s role could only be granted with Musk’s permission.

The report demonstrates the significant role that Musk plays in the U.S. government and his involvement in providing crucial communication technology to Ukraine.

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