Tensions have escalated between Tesla and CEO of SpaceX Elon Musk and Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski for the use of Internet Starlink services in Ukraine, amidst the continued conflict with Russia.
Musk, who faced criticism of his sincere views on Ukraine and Russia, defended Starlink’s crucial role in maintaining Ukraine’s military communications. He claimed that without Starlink, the “whole first line of Ukraine” will collapse “.
Musk argued that the Russian army could be involved in other communication networks, making Starlink vital to Ukraine’s survival.
The conflict began when Sikorski suggested that Poland, which pays for Starlink’s services in Ukraine, may need to find alternative suppliers if Musk’s satellite service proves to be unreliable.
Sikorski’s comments came after Musk’s statement that he was “ill” from the prolonged war and a deadlock, where he expressed his frustration over the lack of resolution.
Ukraine Starlinks are paid by the Polish Ministry of Digitization at a cost of about $ 50 million a year.
The morality of the victim of aggression unless SpaceX proves to be an unreliable provider, we will have to look for other suppliers.– Radosław Sikorski 🇵🇱🇪🇺 (@sikorskiradek) 9 March 2025
Senator Marco Rubio quickly came to Musk’s defense, accusing Sikorski of “doing things up” and claiming that without Starlink, Ukraine would have already lost the war. Rubio also praised Musk to maintain Starlink’s operation in Ukraine, suggesting that it was the only thing that prevented a Russian progress to Poland.
Just doing things.
No one has made threats to cut Ukraine from StarlinkAnd say thank you for
Without Starlink Ukraine would have lost this war for a long time and the Russians would be on the border with Poland at the moment– Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) 9 March 2025
Musk responded directly to Sikorski, telling him to be “quiet, little man”, adding that Poland’s contribution to cost was minimal compared to other nations, including the US.
Musk reiterated that despite disagreements with Ukraine policies, he would ensure that Starlink would never be disabled in Ukraine.
In a social media post, Musk clarified: “No matter how I disagree with Ukraine’s policy, Starlink will never turn off its terminals.” He stressed that the service would remain functional and will not be used as leverage in diplomatic negotiations.
Poland has funded about half of the 42,000 Starlink terminals operating in Ukraine, which have provided basic internet connectivity for both military and political use, especially after Russia’s invasion in February 2022, destroyed much of Ukraine’s communication infrastructure.
Musk’s position came amid broader geopolitical tensions, while US President Donald Trump recently stopped military assistance and exchange of information with Ukraine. However, US officials said this suspension could be lifted pending successful diplomatic talks, with an upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia between Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US representatives.
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