SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service was at the center of another controversy earlier this month when reports claimed that the company had restricted its use in Ukraine. The reports came as Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine completes its first year, with Starlink playing a crucial role in the war-torn region for enabling civilian and military communication. SpaceX's president Ms. Gwynne Shotwell had also confirmed to reporters that her company had restricted offensive military capabilities, as it was concerned that using Starlink for drones to bomb Russian lines did not cover any agreement.
However, soon after she made the comments, Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, Mr. Mykhailo Fedorov, made statements to the contrary, outlining that Starlink was functioning normally in his country. His talk also outlined that SpaceX's contribution to Ukraine has now crossed $100 million.
Ukraine Minister Confirms Starlink Geofencing In Ukraine, But Outlines Service Is Working Fine Otherwise
Starlink's role in Ukraine has received widespread media coverage, with public sentiment ranging from appreciative to accusatory. As SpaceX initially shipped its satellite dishes to the country early last year, the company received praise for its actions as high-ranking Ukrainian officials thanked it. However, conflicts soon surfaced about footing the bill, with matters concluding as SpaceX chief Mr. Elon Musk announced in October that his firm would continue to provide the services for free. SpaceX is not the only one that has shipped the terminals to Europe, as governments and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have also played their role in procuring the user dishes and shipping them to those in need.
As time passes in Ukraine, Starlink's use has also evolved, enabling Ukrainians to keep their communications open during devastating missile attacks. Terminals in the country have also been funded by volunteers, who were quick to hit back at Musk earlier this year after reports surfaced that SpaceX had asked the Pentagon to compensate it for the terminals shipped to Ukraine.
In comments made to Pravda, Ukraine's digital transformation minister Mykhailo Fedorov outlined that SpaceX has geofenced Starlnk in his country and shed light on the total contribution that SpaceX has made so far.
According to him:
Indeed, changes were made to geofencing a few months ago, but as of now, all the Starlink terminals in Ukraine work properly. Today we received the first few thousand of Starlinks as part of a 10,000 terminal batch from the German government.
However, his comments on whether the use of drones has been specifically restricted weren't available, yet SpaceX may have prevented Starlink from being used in specific areas - perhaps those that fall under Russia's control. Russia has protested the offensive use of Starlink at the United Nations and even hinted that it might take military action against SpaceX's satellites.
The minister also praised Mr. Musk's contribution to the war and shared that Starlink has helped save thousands of lives in Ukraine. Revealing details about SpaceX's financial contribution, he shared:
The contribution of the SpaceX company is estimated to be more than US$100 million. We hope for further stable work by Starlinks in Ukraine.
In her statements, Ms. Shotwell had owned up to leading the negotiations with the Pentagon, sharing that Mr. Musk had little to do with them. SpaceX's decision to limit military use of the satellite internet service also drew criticism from former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, who took to Twitter to demand that the firm restore full functionality, arguing that defense "is not an offensive capability." In response, Mr. Musk countered and stated that while Starlink is the "backbone" of Ukranian communication, his firm will not enable escalation of "the conflict that may lead to WW3."
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