Starlink likely to be target in Ukraine, says Elon Musk; minister replies

SpaceX founder Elon Musk has issued a note of caution that his company’s satellite broadband service Starlink could come under Russian target in Ukraine as Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still functioning in some parts of Ukraine.

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“Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so the probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution,” SpaceX founder said in a tweet.

Ukraine minister of digital transformation Mykhailo Fedorov replied noting the word of caution and wrote, “We are going to use them for Ukrainians also after our victory.”

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Starlink is a space-based system that SpaceX has been building for years to bring internet access to underserved areas of the world. Musk’s venture could help Ukraine stay connected despite troop advancement in the country.

The development came soon after Ukraine had requested Musk to help with the satellites as the nation battles a devastating invasion by neighbouring Russia.

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Fedorov had tweeted, “@elonmusk, while you try to colonise Mars — Russia tries to occupy Ukraine! While your rockets successfully land from space — Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people! We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations and to address sane Russians to stand”.

As Russia continues its onslaught on Ukraine, major parts of the country have faced internet outages as well as disruptions.