Elon Musk rejects Starlink activation for Crimea drone assault, compelling Ukraine to cancel a planned naval attack in the Black Sea after denying access to the Starlink satellite network, as per a US report.
The Ukrainian military couldn’t remotely control a drone with explosives into a Russian ship in occupied Crimea following Musk’s decision.
General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the leader of Ukraine’s armed forces, raised the issue with General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressing concerns about Musk’s power to restrict Starlink access.
Satellite terminals donated by Musk are vital to Ukrainian military communications.
Musk has reservations about Starlink being used for offensive capabilities and has restricted access during the war.
Ukraine’s government fears Musk’s unilateral control over Starlink due to his public disputes with Kyiv officials.
Starlink’s importance lies in defense, advancement, and survival for Ukraine.
Last year, Musk proposed a “peace plan” for Ukraine, which received mixed reactions from Russia and Kyiv.
Ukraine’s military success depends on continued access to Starlink, as expressed by General Zaluzhnyi to General Milley.
Musk asked the Pentagon to fund Starlink in Ukraine, estimating the cost at nearly $400 million for a 12-month period.
1,300 Starlink terminals purchased by a British supplier stopped working after the Ukrainian government couldn’t afford the monthly fee.
The Pentagon brokered a deal to buy up to 500 Starlink terminals for certain missions to address concerns.
