Elon Musk Denies Reports of Selling Starlink Terminals to Russia Amidst Ukraine Conflict
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has denied media reports claiming that his company has sold Starlink satellite internet terminals to Russia amidst the ongoing conflict with neighboring country Ukraine. Musk categorically denied these reports, stating that to the best of his knowledge, no Starlinks have been sold directly or indirectly to Russia.
The reports of Starlink terminals being used by Russian troops in the conflict arose over the weekend when Ukraine’s military intelligence confirmed their systemic use. It was reported that units like Russia’s 83rd Air Assault Brigade, fighting in the partially occupied eastern region of Donetsk against Ukrainian forces, were using Starlink terminals.
However, Musk clarified that Starlink satellites will not close the link in Russia, implying that they are not being used in the conflict. This statement contradicts the earlier reports from Ukraine’s military intelligence.
It is worth noting that at the beginning of the conflict in 2022, SpaceX provided thousands of Starlink kits to Ukraine. These kits enhanced the country’s communication capabilities and helped its forces maintain communication channels. However, Musk has faced criticism from Ukraine since then, particularly after it was revealed in his biography that he restricted Starlink access for submarine drone plans against Russian vessels in Crimea. He cited the possibility of escalating the conflict between the two countries as the reason for this decision.
Musk has also criticized America’s investment into Ukraine during the ongoing war, referring to it as a “forever war with no progress” and questioning the sacrifice of the country’s youth for no territorial gain.
While the reports of Starlink terminals being used by Russian troops in the conflict have raised concerns, Musk’s denial puts those claims into doubt. The exact truth of the matter remains uncertain, but with Musk’s statement, it seems unlikely that SpaceX has directly or indirectly sold Starlink terminals to Russia.
In any case, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, and the involvement of advanced technologies like satellite internet terminals adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The international community will be closely watching the developments and the role of technologies like Starlink in the conflict.
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