Elon Musk’s Starlink Isn’t Only Option for Ukraine, Pentagon Says
(Bloomberg) -- The Pentagon confirmed it's talking with Elon Musk, who has threatened to stop funding Ukraine's access to his Starlink satellite communications system, but pointedly added that the US is also looking into other options.
“We are engaged in talking with SpaceX,” the space exploration company owned by Musk, Defense Department spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters Friday. At the same time, she said, the US, Ukraine and allies are also “assessing our options” with other communications companies.
Musk, the world's richest person, threatened Friday to cut financial support for the Starlink high-speed broadband system that has become an essential communications tool as Ukraine combats Russia's invasion. He said SpaceX can't carry the cost indefinitely. His move followed sharp criticism from Kyiv for Musk's public comments suggesting the government cede territory in exchange for peace with Russia.
Responding to recent comments from a Ukrainian envoy that he should “f*** off” for his proposals, which included UN-monitored referendums in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine, Musk retorted on Twitter on Friday: “We're just following his recommendation.”
As well as helping Ukraine's forces on the ground, Starlink terminals have supported infrastructure across the country, and any move to withdraw them could potentially hinder progress in counteroffensives against Russian troops. It would also risk a backlash not just from Ukraine but also its allies who have provided financial and military support for months without conditions.
SpaceX has an established relationship with the Pentagon, Singh noted, having won contracts for national security space launches.
SpaceX Correspondence
In a statement later, she added, “We can confirm
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