For some time now, the Ukrainian government has been seeking SpaceX’s authorization for the use of Starlink up to 200 kilometers inside Russia. Starlink has long provided high-speed connectivity to soldiers on the frontline, and Starlink terminals mounted on drones have been crucial to the “middle strike” campaign launched this spring, which involves the targeting of logistical routes into Crimea and military bases on the peninsula annexed by Russia. Musk, however, has reportedly had concerns that authorizing its use so deep inside Russian territory would amount to an escalation. Zelenskyy has since awarded Musk theOrder of Freedom, one of Ukraine’s highest state honors, which can justifiably be seen as a bid to get him to change his mind.
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