SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Sunday denied media reports that its Starlink satellite internet terminals were being sold to Russia amid the ongoing war with neighboring country Ukraine.
What happened: “This is categorically false,” Musk said, referring to reports of SpaceX selling Starlink terminals to Russia. Ukrainian military intelligence reportedly confirmed the systematic use of Starlink terminals by Russian troops, including units such as Russia’s 83rd Air Assault Brigade fighting in the partially occupied eastern Donetsk region, Ukrainian military intelligence reported over the weekend. Ukrainian forces.
Musk, however, said: “As far as we know, no Starlink has been sold directly or indirectly to Russia.”
“Starlink satellites will not close the link in Russia,” he added.
Because matter: At the start of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in early 2022, SpaceX supplied thousands of Starlink kits to Ukraine, improving the country’s communications capabilities and helping its forces maintain communications channels.
However, Ukraine has since also criticized Musk, particularly after it was revealed through Musk’s biography that he had restricted Starlink’s access for underwater drone plans against Russian ships in Crimea, citing the possibility of a escalation of the conflict between the two countries.
Earlier this year, Musk also criticized American investments in Ukraine during the ongoing war and said: “I support Ukraine, but this feels like an eternal war with no progress. Simply sacrificing the country’s youth without any territorial gain.”
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