By Abdujalil Abdurasulov, BBC News
Recently, a heated exchange occurred between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Elon Musk, and Poland’s Foreign Minister, Radoslaw Sikorski. It centered around Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service, which has been crucial for Ukraine during the ongoing war.
Musk claimed that without Starlink, Ukraine’s entire front line could collapse. Sikorski retorted that Poland is funding the service, costing around $50 million per year, and that threatening to shut it down would force the country to find an alternative provider.
Rubio dismissed Sikorski’s comments and suggested he should be more grateful for Starlink’s support. Musk called Sikorski a “small man,” intensifying the conflict.
This exchange also prompted Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to comment on the need for respect among allies. He emphasized that true leadership requires acknowledging and valuing all partners, regardless of their size or strength.
Starlink is part of SpaceX’s initiative to deliver fast internet to underserved regions. It has played a vital role in Ukraine’s military operations since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. Thousands of Starlink terminals have been deployed across the country, enhancing communication for troops on the ground.
Sikorski highlighted the reliance on Starlink, noting that if SpaceX becomes unreliable, Poland would have to seek other options. He argued the ethics behind making threats against a country under attack are questionable.
In response, Rubio insisted that without Starlink, Ukraine would have faced dire consequences and might have already lost the conflict. Musk echoed Rubio’s sentiments, arguing that the value of Starlink is unmatched.
Starlink’s technology is heavily utilized by the Ukrainian military for various strategic functions, including drone operations that deliver vital real-time information. This capability allows for rapid responses to threats, easing the strain on personnel along the front lines. Drones powered by Starlink help with target acquisition for artillery and provide images for coordinating evacuations, which would be more challenging without this advanced communication system.
