In a previously undisclosed event, Elon Musk ordered Starlink to cut satellite communications over parts of Ukraine in late September 2022, disrupting a Ukrainian counteroffensive to reclaim territory from Russia. This decision, the first known instance of Musk directly interfering with Starlink service during the conflict, has raised concerns about the growing reliance of nations on his satellite internet service.
Musk reportedly instructed a senior SpaceX engineer to deactivate Starlink terminals in areas including Kherson and parts of Donetsk province. This sudden communications blackout caused panic among Ukrainian troops, disabling drones and hindering long-range artillery, ultimately stalling their encirclement of Russian forces near Beryslav, east of Kherson. While Ukraine eventually reclaimed the territory, Musk’s action surprised some Starlink employees and effectively influenced the front lines of the conflict. This contradicts Musk’s past statements, including a March X post where he claimed, “We would never do such a thing.” Neither Musk nor SpaceX specifically addressed Reuters’ inquiries, with SpaceX broadly calling the reporting “inaccurate.”
The exact reasons for Musk’s order and its duration remain unclear, but individuals familiar with the command believe it stemmed from his concerns that Ukrainian advances could provoke nuclear retaliation from Russia. This incident highlights Musk’s significant, and for some, alarming, influence in geopolitics and global security through Starlink, a service now critical to governments and militaries worldwide, including the U.S.
The shutdown in Kherson also surprised U.S. military and foreign policy officials, who had worked to secure Starlink for Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian officials made panicked calls to the Pentagon, but received few explanations. This incident is distinct from an earlier, disputed report regarding Starlink service in Crimea.
Since the war began, Ukraine has received over 50,000 Starlink terminals, largely from donors like Poland, the U.S., and Germany, in addition to initial donations from SpaceX. These portable devices have been crucial for Ukraine’s military communications, intelligence gathering, and drone operations. The U.S. Department of Defense now pays for Starlink coverage in Ukraine through a $537 million agreement.
Despite its vital role, Starlink’s control by a single individual like Musk has raised concerns among international officials. Countries are exploring alternatives and emphasizing the need for contractual assurances to prevent similar disruptions. Musk himself has acknowledged Starlink’s critical importance, stating on X in March, “My Starlink system is the backbone of the Ukrainian army. Their entire front line would collapse if I turned it off.”
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