Summary: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expresses frustration over Russian air superiority and slow Western support, while Elon Musk reveals he refused a Ukrainian request to activate Starlink in Crimea for an attack on Russia's fleet.
Lawmakers on both sides need to hold Elon Musk accountable for assisting Russia by turning off a Starlink satellite to thwart a Ukrainian attack, as his close ties to Putin and his unilateral decision-making raise alarm bells about his support for war crimes inflicted by Russia on Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken declined to criticize Elon Musk for refusing to help the Ukrainian government access his Starlink internet service in order to attack Russia, stating that Starlink has been important for Ukraine's communication and defense efforts.
Elon Musk's refusal to allow Ukraine to use Starlink internet services for a surprise attack on Russian forces in Crimea has prompted the U.S. military to consider the need for explicit language in future contracts regarding the use of purchased products or services in war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Elon Musk as an "outstanding person" and businessman, following Musk's revelation that he refused a Ukrainian request to activate his Starlink satellite network in Crimea, fearing it would aid an attack on Russia's Black Sea fleet.
Elon Musk faces backlash and accusations of treason over his decision to deny Ukraine access to Starlink during their conflict with Russia.
Elon Musk's SpaceX is no longer subsidizing the cost of its Starlink antennas, which is a positive step toward improving profitability and indicates that the terminals now cost less than $600 each to make.
Elon Musk has refused to answer questions regarding claims that he prevented a Ukrainian attack on Russian warships by withholding the use of his Starlink satellite network, despite accusations of enabling Vladimir Putin and causing civilian deaths.
Three Democratic senators are seeking answers from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin regarding whether Elon Musk or other commercial satellite providers restricted the Ukrainian military's access to communication networks and whether the Defense Department has the authority to intervene, following reports in Walter Isaacson's biography of Musk that he prevented the Ukrainian armed forces from using Starlink satellite communication terminals to attack Russian ships in Russian-held southern Ukraine.
Ukrainian public figures are criticizing Elon Musk for rejecting a request from the Ukrainian military to re-activate his satellite communications system, with some accusing him of being selfish, ignorant, and even an alien. The controversy has damaged Musk's image in Ukraine and led to concerns over relying on one individual for important resources like Starlink.
The Senate Committee on Armed Services is planning to investigate Elon Musk over his decision to shut off access to SpaceX's Starlink in Crimea during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, questioning the extent of Musk's control over the use of his network and the potential national security risks posed by contractors independently discontinuing services.
Elon Musk refused to allow Ukraine to use SpaceX's Starlink satellite communications to launch a surprise drone submarine attack on Russian forces in Crimea, citing concerns of a nuclear response from Russia. This decision has drawn praise from Russian President Vladimir Putin and has prompted a Senate probe into Musk's actions. Additionally, Musk is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss artificial intelligence. However, Musk is also facing accusations of tolerating antisemitic messages on his social media platform.
Elon Musk's SpaceX has been awarded its first confirmed contract by the Pentagon for its Starshield network, a military-specific version of its Starlink satellite internet system, with a one-year contract valued at up to $70 million.
