Elon Musk rejects Ukraine’s request to use Starlink for attacking Russian ships with sea drones.

Elon Musk rejects Ukraine's request to use Starlink for attacking Russian ships with sea drones.

Elon Musk Denies Ukraine’s Request for Starlink Access near Crimea

In a dramatic turn of events, Elon Musk reportedly denied Ukraine access to his Starlink satellite system near Crimea last year. The country had intended to send an explosive-filled maritime drone against Russian ships, according to The New York Times. This denied request has sparked concerns among Ukrainian officials and world leaders about relying too heavily on Musk’s technology.

The Denial of Access

Ukraine, in its bid to regain control of Crimea, requested access to Musk’s Starlink satellite system. However, Musk turned down the request, with two anonymous sources familiar with the discussions confirming the refusal. Musk’s reason for denying access was that his company’s satellites were not intended for long-range drone strikes.

The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 made it a significant site for the Russian military, hosting a major naval base and serving as a critical supply chain. Since the invasion by Russia in February 2022, Ukraine has increasingly relied on Starlink for its internet and communication needs. The Starlink system, which deploys thousands of satellites for internet coverage even in remote regions, offers a vital lifeline to conflict zones with limited connectivity options.

Starlink’s Impact in Ukraine

Starlink was activated in Ukraine in February 2022, and by early May, it had already garnered approximately 150,000 daily users, as confirmed by Ukrainian officials. The technology has revolutionized operations on the ground, enabling drone pilots to identify and strike targets in just one minute, a significant reduction from the previous time frame of 20 minutes.

Ukraine’s digital minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, praises Starlink for its life-saving potential, stating that “the huge number of lives that Starlink has helped save can be measured in the thousands.” The system has become an integral part of Ukraine’s communication infrastructure, earning the acknowledgment as “the blood of our entire communication infrastructure now.”

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Despite the undeniable benefits of Starlink, Ukrainian officials express concerns about becoming overly dependent on the technology and have explored alternatives among other satellite internet providers. However, none of these alternatives offer the same level of connectivity and reliability as Starlink, leading to a continued reliance on Musk’s system.

Worries and Criticism

Ukraine’s concerns regarding Starlink’s dominance align with similar sentiments worldwide. The report in The New York Times highlights the worries of world leaders and militaries regarding Elon Musk’s “erratic and personality-driven style.” Additionally, certain countries have questioned Musk’s control over Starlink, prompting discussions with US officials over the past year and a half. As a response, the European Union has initiated plans for its own rival satellite internet system.

SpaceX, Musk’s company responsible for the development and launch of Starlink satellites, did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment. However, concerns about Musk’s stance on the conflict and territorial disputes between Ukraine and Russia have previously strained the relationship. Last year, Musk proposed a peace plan that received criticism from Ukraine due to its suggestion of handing over Ukrainian territory to Russia. In September, Ukrainian officials claimed that Musk had blocked Starlink internet access in Crimea, citing concerns about escalating the conflict.

Desperate Measures

The denial of Starlink access not only caught the attention of the Ukrainian officials but also became a topic of discussion during a call between General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi and General Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, on March 17, 2023. General Zaluzhnyi expressed Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink for communications and sought reassurances about maintaining access while discussing potential cost coverage. Notably, he also inquired about the US’s assessment of Elon Musk, but US officials did not address the question during the conversation.

The denial of Starlink access near Crimea showcases the delicate dance between world events, geopolitics, and technological advancements. As Elon Musk’s influence continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important to evaluate the impact of his decisions within the context of global conflicts and alliances. Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink underlines the remarkable capabilities of the system, while also raising concerns about the potential risks and limitations associated with relying too heavily on a single technology provider.

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