Tech billionaire Elon Musk issued a dire threat on Sunday, that Ukraine’s front line would fold if he were to suspend access to his Starlink satellite internet system.
Musk’s SpaceX gave Ukraine Starlink access in 2022 after Russian strikes disabled its communications networks. Experts maintain the system is critical to Ukraine’s drone warfare and its withdrawal would greatly impair the country’s military efforts.
Musk Backs His Position
Musk spoke these words as a reply to accusations that he was being excessively critical of Ukraine and failing to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable.
“I actually challenged Putin to one-on-one physical combat regarding Ukraine, and my Starlink system is the backbone of the Ukrainian army. Their entire front line would collapse if I switched it off,” Musk posted on his social media site X.
Complaining about the extended conflict, he urged an instant resolution, saying, “Anyone who really cares, really thinks, and really understands wants the meat grinder to stop. PEACE NOW!!”
Demands for Sanctions against Ukrainian Oligarchs
Musk, also an adviser to former US President Donald Trump, proposed that placing sanctions on Ukraine’s richest citizens particularly those with Monaco homes would compel Kyiv into negotiations.
“Put sanctions on the Ukrainian top 10 oligarchs, particularly those who have villas in Monaco, and this will cease,” he said.
US Threats to Cut Starlink Access
News last month exposed that US officials threatened to cut off Ukraine’s access to Starlink in an effort to coerce Kyiv into signing a minerals agreement. It was informed by a source that Starlink is crucial to the operations of Ukraine, calling it their “North Star.”
