Internet access has become a crucial part of modern warfare. Reliable communication can make the difference between victory and defeat.
In Ukraine, Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet has played a major role in keeping the military, hospitals, businesses, and aid organizations connected.
Now, questions are being raised about its future in the war.
On March 9, Musk claimed that Ukraine’s entire front line would collapse if he shut off Starlink, reports the Kyiv Independent.
The billionaire has provided thousands of terminals to Ukraine since the war began. As of last year, about 42,000 were in use.
Tensions over Starlink's availability have been growing. In late February, Reuters reported that the U.S. had threatened to cut off Ukraine’s access unless Kyiv agreed to a critical minerals deal.
Musk denied the claim. Around the same time, a planned agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. fell apart after a dispute between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In early March, Washington halted military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
The move was seen as an attempt to push Kyiv into peace talks with Moscow. The pressure on Ukraine is mounting.
Musk has weighed in on the situation. In a post on X, he suggested imposing sanctions on Ukraine’s wealthiest oligarchs.
He reacted to a call from Republican Senator Mike Lee, who wants to cut U.S. funding for Ukraine.
When criticized online for supporting such actions, Musk defended himself. He reminded users that he had once challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to a physical fight over Ukraine.
He also insisted that Starlink was essential to Ukraine’s military operations.
Musk has described the war as a pointless stalemate. He believes Ukraine will eventually lose. He called for an end to the conflict, saying, "Peace now!"
His statements have fueled concern about Starlink’s reliability moving forward.
Ukrainian officials are already searching for alternatives. French satellite operator Eutelsat Communications is in talks with the European Union about potentially replacing Starlink in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Musk has continued to criticize U.S. government spending. He has pushed for shutting down USAID, an organization that provides humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
He has also shared Russian propaganda and mocked Zelensky’s leadership.
