There is no doubt that Starlink’s Internet was one of the greatest “weapons” that Ukrainians received to fight the enemy, in a war that entered their borders. After Russia tried to destroy Zelensky’s country communications and ban the use of the airspace over Ukraine, there was… space left. However, nearly 9 months of war have left a hefty internet bill in the hands of Elon Musk, who apparently wants the Pentagon to pay.
On Twitter, the American billionaire’s favorite social network, he has already exchanged some curious tweets and has even been “offended”. Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany told Musk to “shut up”… disappear! So what now?
Starlink Ukraine: Elon Musk does not like "the Internet account"
Since arriving in Ukraine last spring, Starlink satellite Internet terminals (manufactured by Elon Musk's SpaceX) have been an essential communications source for the Ukrainian military, enabling them to fight and stay connected even when networks of mobile communications and the Internet are destroyed on its own. territory invaded by Russia.
According to information, about 20,000 Starlink satellite units have been donated to Ukraine so far. At least that's what Musk tweeted on Friday, saying that "Operation SpaceX cost $80 million and will exceed $100 million by the end of the year."
Bad reporting by FT. This article falsely claims that Starlink terminals and service have been paid while only a small percentage has been paid.
This operation cost SpaceX $80 million and will exceed $100 million by the end of the year.
What happens on the battlefield is a secret.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 7, 2022
These charitable contributions may end, however, as SpaceX has warned the Pentagon that it will stop funding the service in Ukraine unless the US military "supports" this donation with tens of millions of dollars a month.
US media reported that SpaceX sent a letter to the Pentagon last month saying it can no longer fund the Starlink service as it did. The letter also requested that the Pentagon provide funding for the government and military use of the Starlink network in Ukraine.
This is because SpaceX claims that this support will cost the company more than $120 million by the end of the year and could cost nearly $400 million in the next 12 months.
Among the SpaceX documents sent to the Pentagon is a previously unreported direct request to Musk in July by Ukrainian military commander General Valerii Zaluzhniy for nearly 8,000 additional Starlink terminals.
The documents, not previously communicated, provide a rare breakdown of SpaceX's own internal Starlink numbers, detailing the charges and payments associated with the thousands of terminals in Ukraine. They also shed new light on the behind-the-scenes negotiations that brought Ukraine millions of dollars in communications hardware and services at a low cost to Kiev.
Has the CEO of SpaceX Talked to Putin About the War?
These documents have been included in recent reports of widespread disruptions to Starlink as Ukrainian forces attempt to recapture Russian-occupied territory to the east and south of the country.
Sources familiar with the outages said they suddenly hit the entire front line as it was on Sept. 30.
This affected all the efforts of the Ukrainians to overcome this front. Starlink is the primary form of communication for units on the battlefield.
A source familiar with the outage said he was reporting to CNN USA on condition of anonymity.
Different information reports a different kind of situation. According to information, Ukrainian troops have not reported on the two movements. So, if Ukraine releases an area, there must be a request to activate Starlink services in that particular region.
The Financial Times reported for the first time on outages resulting in a "catastrophic" loss of communications, a senior Ukrainian official said. In a tweet responding to the article, Musk did not dispute the hiatus, saying what happens on the battlefield is confidential.
Bad reporting by FT. This article falsely claims that Starlink terminals and service have been paid while only a small percentage has been paid.
This operation cost SpaceX $80 million and will exceed $100 million by the end of the year.
What happens on the battlefield is a secret.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 7, 2022
SpaceX's suggestion to stop funding Starlink also comes amid growing concerns in Ukraine over Musk's loyalty. Musk recently tweeted a controversial peace plan that would see Ukraine give up Crimea and control the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk.
Musk was even accused of speaking to Vladimir Putin before posting an inquiry on Twitter with his suggestions to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Hi @Elon Musk Is this true?https://t.co/C4tLJ1HtPy
— Sven Henrich (@NorthmanTrader) October 11, 2022
Elon Musk denied everything and the deputy prime minister of Ukraine also came for a bit of "boiling water" yesterday, saying that more than 100 cruise missiles attacked Ukraine's energy and communications infrastructure and that the military was counting on Starlink services. to quickly reconnect critical areas.
In addition, it also reinforced that Starlink remains an essential part of critical infrastructure.
More than 100 cruise missiles attacked ?? energy and communications infrastructure. But with Starlink, we quickly restored connectivity in critical areas. Starlink remains an essential part of critical infrastructure.
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) October 12, 2022
In short, this war has a high cost of financial resources and a lot of pain to the wallet and the complaints are already audible! However, the number of lives lost... is priceless! Will the internet be "the mother of all weapons" in this war?
