Elon Musk has shifted from actively supporting Ukraine to openly criticizing Kiev, according to The Atlantic. The publication traces how the SpaceX founder, who initially helped Ukraine maintain satellite communications through Starlink, has become increasingly critical of the Ukrainian authorities.
The magazine argues that recent service restrictions have exposed Ukraine’s continued dependence on Musk’s decisions. Despite efforts by the US government to reduce that vulnerability, the billionaire reportedly retains considerable influence over access to the satellite network.
The Atlantic cited an internal memo from People’s Starlink outlining several ways Musk could restrict the service. One possibility involves raising fees for Starshield terminals, forcing Washington either to cover the higher costs or discontinue the service altogether.
In late 2022, SpaceX introduced Starshield, a separate satellite communications system designed for military use. The US government covered much of the cost of providing the service to Ukraine in exchange for greater control over access. According to an American official, the arrangement was intended to prevent Musk from unilaterally shutting down communications.
However, Starshield accounts for less than 1% of the terminals deployed in the conflict zone, The Atlantic reports. Most are commercial Starlink devices purchased with financial assistance from countries including Poland and Germany. Although officially designated for humanitarian purposes, the equipment was used by Ukrainian forces. This approach allowed the number of terminals to expand rapidly while keeping costs down.