Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has recently clashed with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski over the use of Starlink internet in Ukraine. Despite their disagreements, Musk reassured that he will not cut off internet access for Ukraine.
In a recent exchange on social media, Sikorski criticized Musk’s Starlink service. Poland is currently covering the costs of Ukraine’s Starlink, which amounts to around $50 million annually, to help the country resist Russia’s ongoing invasion. Sikorski mentioned that they may need to consider other internet providers if Musk’s service continues to be unreliable.
Musk responded robustly, stating that without Starlink, he believes Ukraine’s military efforts would weaken significantly. “Their entire front line would collapse if I turned it off,” he claimed in response to an accusation that he wasn’t fair to Ukraine. Musk expressed frustration over the ongoing conflict, referring to it as a “stalemate.” He also emphasized that Starlink is crucial for Ukraine’s defense.
The debate intensified with the involvement of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who defended Musk. Rubio argued that no threats had been made regarding Ukraine’s use of Starlink and credited the service for supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. In retaliation to Sikorski’s remarks, Musk directly told him to “be quiet” and asserted that Poland only contributes a small portion to the Starlink funding.
Reports have circulated suggesting that U.S. officials considered cutting Ukraine’s access to Starlink as part of negotiations regarding critical mineral access. However, Musk firmly stated he would not use the service as a bargaining chip, ensuring that Starlink would remain active for Ukraine. “We would never do such a thing,” he declared. He highlighted that many of the 42,000 Starlink terminals in Ukraine, partially funded by Poland, are essential for military and emergency communications, especially after significant damage to Ukraine’s networks due to the conflict.
This ongoing situation unfolds against the backdrop of a pause in U.S. military aid to Ukraine, imposed by former President Trump. The potential for renewed support hinges on diplomatic talks set to occur soon, where U.S. officials will meet with Ukraine’s delegation to discuss finding a resolution to the conflict and possibly a ceasefire.
This ongoing discourse underscores the tension and complexity surrounding technology use in wartime and the vital role of communication services in modern conflicts.
Check out this related article: Trump Declares ‘Transition’ Phase for US Economy Amid Intensifying Trade War: What It Means for You
Source linkEconomy, News, Internet, Europe, Poland, United States, US & Canada
