Ukraine airs disappointment as SpaceX says Starlink technology is not for offensive purposes

POLICY

Ukrainian officials today were far from pleased after being told that Starlink’s satellite internet service was not to be used for its military drones, a service that has so far been indispensable in the war with Russia.

Elon Musk’s company had earlier said that its satellite communications were never supposed to be “weaponized.” Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX’s chief operating officer, explained at a conference that the service was not ever meant to be used for “offensive purposes.”

At the beginning of the conflict, SpaceX had given thousands of SpaceX Starlink dishes to Ukraine, which it was believed were for people to stay connected during such a trying time and for Ukraine’s general infrastructure to hold up. But later, Ukraine’s military started using them to target the enemy, which SpaceX now says goes against its policies.

The technology has been described as being critical since it’s needed for Ukraine’s surveillance drones to keep an eye on Russian troop concentrations and how and when they advance. Since much of Ukraine’s infrastructure has been damaged, including internet infrastructure, SpaceX’s satellites are now indispensable.

“We were really pleased to be able to provide Ukraine connectivity and help them in their fight for freedom,” Shotwell told reporters. “There are things that we can do and have done. It was never intended to be weaponized. However, Ukrainians have leveraged it in ways that were unintentional and not part of any agreement.” She added that as long as they are being used for families, banks and hospitals, it is fine.

Her words rankled Ukrainian officials, some of whom said SpaceX needs to decide which side it is on. Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak took to Twitter to issue his grievances, saying SpaceX needs to decide if it is “on the side of the right to freedom” or “on the Russian Federation’s side and its ‘right’ to kill and seize territories.”

This announcement comes at a time when the U.S. and other western nations have begun to send more offensive weapons to Ukraine. Ukraine says that is necessary, although some critics are worried about escalation and the possibility of a full-on European war.

Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov said in a statement that Musk is “one of the biggest private donors of our future victory,” explaining that SpaceX’s technological donations are probably now worth in the region of $100 million. He said as of now, there have been no interruptions to Starlink coverage.

“Starlinks help save thousands of lives daily,” he said. “The energy infrastructure continues to work due to Starlinks. Doctors perform complex surgeries thanks to the connection that Starlinks provide.” It’s uncertain right now how Starlink will limit its service.

Musk has already been the focus of Ukrainian officials’ chagrin, talking earlier in the war about a possible roadmap to peace that might include Ukraine giving up some of its territories. Andrij Melnyk, Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany, tweeted, “Fuck off is my very diplomatic reply to you.”

Photo: kyivcity.gov.ua