All of the sudden, Ukraine worried about losing its free internet services following Starlink satellite outages.
Due to the fact that much Ukraine’s own internet networks have been destroyed or rendered inoperable, Starlink, the internet service run by Musk’s SpaceX company – has been essential in providing Ukraine, especially Ukrainian military in the field, with communications throughout NATO’s proxy war against Russia.
Considering the tens of billions in cash from the US, EU, and UK – which the Zelensky regime in Kiev has pocketed over the last 9 months, it’s almost unbelievable that they can’t spare a few million a month to pay their internet bill. Unless of course, you consider just how corrupt the Ukrainian government is, and the level of embezzlement which is happening there on a daily basis.
Now, suddenly, Elon Musk has found himself in the middle of a globalist war against Russia…
Engadget reports…
As recently as October 24th, Ukraine’s military suffered a partial internet outage after 1,300 Starlink terminals went offline due to a funding shortage, reports CNN. The blackout occurred amid ongoing talks between SpaceX and the Department of Defense that continue despite Elon Musk having said his company would continue to foot the bill for the country’s Starlink usage.
“Negotiations are very much underway. Everyone in our building knows we’re going to pay them,” a senior Pentagon official told the network, adding that the Defense Department wants to get something in writing “because we worry he’ll change his mind.”
In September, SpaceX sent a letter to the Pentagon, asking the Defense Department to take over paying expenses related to Ukraine’s usage of its Starlink internet service. On October 15th, following public outcry, Musk appeared to backtrack on the decision to ask the US government for assistance. “To hell with it… we’ll just keep funding Ukraine govt for free,” Musk tweeted, later telling The Financial Times the company would do so “indefinitely.”
According to CNN, last month’s outage was a “huge problem” for Ukraine’s military. In March, the country purchased the 1,300 terminals from a British company. SpaceX reportedly charged Ukraine $2,500 per month to keep each unit operational. The country eventually couldn’t afford to pay the $3.25 million monthly bill anymore and asked for financial aid from the British Ministry of Defence. After some discussion, the two agreed to prioritize other military expenses.
“We support a number of terminals that have a direct tactical utility for Ukraine’s military in repelling Russia’s invasion,” a British official told CNN. “We consider and prioritize all new requests in terms of the impact contributions would have in supporting Ukraine to defend its people against Putin’s deplorable invasion.”
Should SpaceX and the US Department of Defense eventually sign an agreement, it’s unclear if the Pentagon will have greater control over Starlink service in Ukraine. The company currently decides where Ukrainian troops can use the terminals.
READ MORE UKRAINE NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Ukraine Files
ALSO JOIN OUR TELEGRAM CHANNEL
PLEASE HELP SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM HERE
Get Clive de Carle's Natural Health essentials of the finest quality, including vitamin & mineral supplements here.
