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Musk ordered Starlink shutdown in Ukraine during key military operation

Reports reveal Musk's directive led to communications failures for Ukrainian troops in September 2022.

July 26, 2025 at 04:32 PM
blur Elon Musk 'ordered his Starlink satellites in Ukraine to be shut down' as defenders launched attack on Putin troops

Musk's actions seriously impacted Ukraine's military efforts against Russian forces in 2022.

Musk's order to shut down Starlink in Ukraine led to failed counteroffensive

Elon Musk allegedly ordered the shutdown of Starlink internet services in Ukraine while the country sought to regain territory in September 2022. This order led to a significant communication blackout, disrupting Ukrainian operations aimed at retaking Kherson, which created a panic among troops. Affected personnel included military units relied upon Starlink for crucial real-time intelligence and targeting. While Ukrainian forces did successfully reclaim Kherson later that year, the directive from Musk resulted in operational setbacks during the ill-fated counteroffensive. Sources familiar with the situation noted that this was the first known instance of Musk directly controlling service over a battlefield, sparking concern about the influence of his decisions on Ukraine's military efforts. The order raised questions about how an unelected billionaire could impact global conflicts and military strategies.

Key Takeaways

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Musk's order caused a communications blackout for Ukrainian troops.
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The blackout affected operations to reclaim Kherson from Russian forces.
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Concerns grow over the influence of private companies in military conflicts.
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Musk's actions have eroded trust in Starlink among Ukrainian forces.
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This incident raises questions about accountability in private sector military involvement.
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Musk's decisions demonstrate the risks of unregulated power in global politics.

"It failed."

A Ukrainian military official described the failure to encircle Russian forces due to the blackout.

"Musk's current global dominance exemplifies the dangers of concentrated power in unregulated domains."

Baroness Lane-Fox expressed concerns in the House of Lords about the implications of Musk's influence.

"If SpaceX proves to be an unreliable provider, we will be forced to look for other suppliers."

Polish foreign minister's comment reflects the urgency of seeking alternative communication options for Ukraine.

"Musk appears to have taken the outcome of a war into his own hands."

A source revealed the shock among Starlink employees after Musk's order was implemented.

The implications of Musk's alleged order extend beyond the immediate battlefield consequences. They highlight the growing concerns regarding the power that private entities wield in international conflicts. Musk’s ability to alter communication capabilities puts additional scrutiny on the role of commercial interests in military operations. Such actions could lead to a reevaluation of how states engage with private corporations that have significant technological resources. If Musk can dictate terms of service on the battlefield, it challenges traditional military authority and raises fundamental questions about accountability in modern warfare.

Highlights

  • The blackout caused chaos among troops relying on Starlink.
  • Musk's influence in war highlights the power of tech billionaires.
  • Trust in Starlink has plummeted within Ukrainian forces.
  • Private companies should not dictate military outcomes.

Risk of Private Influence on Military Operations

Musk's decision to intervene in Ukrainian military communications raises concerns about the unchecked power of private entities in warfare.

As the war in Ukraine continues, the influence of tech billionaires on military strategy remains a pressing issue.

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