Zelensky broke the rules - Public Fight Over Starlink

Why Ukraine’s Use of Starlink for Offensive Drone Strikes Drew Musk’s Rebuke

The dispute began after Starlink service was interrupted in Ukraine earlier this month.

Starlink is controlled by Musk’s SpaceX, and Musk said Ukrainian forces were using the civilian service for offensive operations against Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded sharply, calling the interruption a “big mistake” that would lead to “a lot of losses.” He also warned, “People will die if attacks continue and if Starlink will not work.” That was not exactly a quiet customer service complaint. Zelensky was arguing that the service interruption could carry serious consequences on the battlefield.

Musk Says the Rules Were Clear--Musk answered on X with a direct explanation of his position. He said using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people “has never been allowed, nor should it be.”

Musk said the Ukrainian military violated Starlink’s terms of service and used it for offensive drone strikes. He added that the loophole was closed the previous week.

Musk also drew a line between Starlink and Starshield, saying Starshield is a different system controlled by the U.S. government, which can decide how that system is used. War may be messy, but apparently the terms of service still had a seat at the table.

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