SpaceX CEO Elon Musk emphatically denied media reports suggesting that the company’s Starlink satellite internet terminals had been sold to Russia. The denial comes in the wake of Russia’s ongoing conflict with neighboring country Ukraine.
Musk addressed the situation, stating, “This is categorically false,” in response to the news reports. The reports claimed that Ukraine’s military intelligence confirmed the systemic use of Starlink terminals by Russian troops, including units like Russia’s 83rd Air Assault Brigade, which has been engaged in the partially occupied eastern region of Donetsk against Ukrainian forces.
Musk further clarified, “To the best of our knowledge, no Starlinks have been sold directly or indirectly to Russia.” He also added, “Starlink satellites will not close the link in Russia.”
At the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in early 2022, SpaceX provided thousands of Starlink kits to Ukraine, significantly enhancing the country’s communication capabilities and helping its forces maintain communication channels. In the midst of this revelation, Ukraine criticized Musk after it was revealed in his biography that he restricted Starlink access for submarine drone plans against Russian vessels in Crimea, citing the potential for escalating the conflict between the two countries.
Musk’s involvement in the conflict has been the subject of ongoing debate and controversy. Earlier this year, he criticized America’s investment into Ukraine during the ongoing war, remarking, “I support Ukraine, but this seems like a forever war with no progress. Just sacrificing the youth of the country for no territorial gain.”
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com