SpaceX Comes Clean About Limiting Starlink For Ukranian Troops – SlashGear

Despite Shotwell’s attempt to take the blame for SpaceX’s apparent lack of support for Ukraine, responsibility for most of the company’s political gestures likely rests with its outspoken founder. Musk has repeatedly shown displeasure toward Ukrainian use of the services his companies provide. In October, just a few days before Musk purchased Twitter, he used the service to propose a peace plan decried by Ukrainian and international observers as highly pro-Russia. Per NPR, the Kremlin praised Musk by name for his plan, while Ukrainian authorities responded with vigorous — even profane — rejection. His feelings apparently hurt by Ukraine’s blunt refusal, Musk briefly attempted to outright deny Starlink access to the entire country. Public pressure, however, stopped the move.

Despite Musk’s stunts, however, Shotwell’s SpaceX continues to be a crucial tool for the Ukrainian people in their struggle with Russia. As matters currently stand, the blocks and restrictions the company had imposed on Ukrainian users have largely been lifted. CNN reports that Ukrainian forces consistently praise the unrestricted access to Starlink as a vital tool giving both military units and Ukrainian civilians better security against Russian attacks.