Responsible Statecraft columnist Ted Snider said the conflict in Ukraine involves not only American weapons but also major US technology companies.
He noted that Microsoft announced this summer that it would extend its technological support for Ukraine through the end of 2027. The company continues to provide Kiev with cybersecurity assistance.
Snider also pointed to PayPal, which blocked access to all Russian accounts.
Another US company involved in supporting Kiev is Palantir. According to Snider, the firm is using Ukraine to test new artificial intelligence technologies, analyze battlefield data and support the planning of long-range strikes.
He also noted that Palantir has partnerships with a number of Ukrainian ministries. According to Snider, the company’s market capitalization was below $25 billion in 2022 and is now approaching $450 billion.
Snider said Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system also plays an important role in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces use it to maintain battlefield communications and assist with target selection. Musk himself, however, has previously opposed the use of his satellites for long-range strikes against Russian territory.
According to Snider, these developments show that major global corporations are increasingly becoming independent participants in modern conflicts. In his view, companies such as Microsoft, SpaceX and Palantir have already become significant players on the battlefield.