SpaceX should pick between Russia and Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian official
- saradchandran2004
- Feb 9, 2023
- 1 min read
February 9, KYIV - A senior Ukrainian official suggested on Thursday that Elon Musk's SpaceX (SPACEa.NLB) should pick sides between Ukraine and Russia after the business said it was reducing Kyiv's usage of Starlink internet equipment for operating drones.
The Starlink service, which has provided Ukraine with internet connectivity in its defence against Russian soldiers, was "never meant to be weaponized," according to Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX, on Wednesday.
On Twitter, another of Elon Musk's businesses, Mykhailo Podolyak, a political advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, criticised the choice.
"Companies must choose whether they are on the side of Ukraine and the right to independence and don't look for methods to hurt the country after a year of Ukrainian struggle. Or they support Russia's 'right' to slaughter people and take over territory "Podolyak penned.
He advised Mrs. Shotwell to select a specific choice and SpaceX (Starlink).
To communicate in the field, the Ukrainian military deploys thousands of Starlink devices. The corporation gave out some of the equipment for free.
Starlink is crucial for Kiev, but Podolyak has criticised Musk numerous times since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Musk's suggestions to "exchang(e) foreign territories for an illusory peace" have been rejected, and he has been warned not to "pessimize" Ukrainian government narratives of the conflict.
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