Edith Hejberg
This wasn’t a one-off incident. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk,
In a stunning revelation, a Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kherson was reportedly sabotaged in fall 2022, by none other than Elon Musk. According to sources cited by Reuters, the billionaire ordered a shutdown of Starlink satellite coverage in the area just as Ukraine prepared to strike.
Starlink: A Lifeline for Ukraine—Until It Wasn’t
Musk’s Starlink system had been a digital lifeline for Ukraine. After Russia’s 2022 invasion crippled the country’s internet and mobile networks, Starlink helped maintain critical communications. But as the Ukrainian military began using it for offensive operations, Musk’s support appeared to waver.
Kherson Offensive Cut Short by Sudden Blackout
In September 2022, while Ukraine was gearing up for a key offensive in Kherson, Musk reportedly directed SpaceX engineers to cut off Starlink access over regions including Kherson, north of Russian-occupied Crimea. Sources told Reuters that at least 100 terminals went offline.
Communications Collapse on the Frontlines
The impact on Ukrainian forces was immediate and chaotic. With Starlink down, reconnaissance drones lost contact, artillery units were unable to target Russian positions effectively, and troops scrambled to adapt in the face of radio silence.
A Foiled Attempt to Encircle Russian Forces
The communication blackout is believed to have directly hindered Ukrainian efforts to encircle Russian troops in Berislav, east of Kherson city. Although Ukraine eventually reclaimed the northern part of the province in November, this earlier setback cost them a key tactical opportunity.
Musk’s Motivations: Fear of Nuclear Fallout?
What motivated Musk to issue such a disruptive order? Sources close to the matter suspect it stemmed from his growing fear that Russia might resort to nuclear retaliation if it began to lose territory, something Musk has openly speculated about since.
Crimea Attack Also Thwarted by Starlink Shutdown
This wasn’t a one-off incident. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, the tech mogul also intervened later in 2022 to block a planned Ukrainian drone strike on the Russian Black Sea fleet near Crimea by disabling Starlink access in the region.
Musk Feared Provoking a ‘Mini Pearl Harbor’
Isaacson’s book reveals Musk was deeply alarmed by the prospect of escalating the war into a nuclear conflict. He feared that enabling Ukraine to strike Crimea could provoke a response akin to a “mini Pearl Harbor,” based on conversations he reportedly had with Russian officials.
Ukraine Begged Musk to Reverse His Decision
During the Crimea incident, Ukrainian officials desperately pleaded with Musk to restore Starlink service to allow the drone mission to proceed. But he stood firm, unwilling to risk what he perceived as potential global catastrophe.
Starlink Still Powers Ukraine’s War Effort
Despite the controversies, Starlink remains central to Ukraine’s military communication. By April 2023, over 50,000 terminals had been delivered to the country, some donated by SpaceX, others funded by Western allies. For better or worse, Elon Musk’s satellites remain a vital asset in the war.
