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Ukraine awards Elon Musk Order of Freedom for Starlink support

techAug 26, 202617721

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a presidential decree awarding Elon Musk the Order of Freedom, citing his "outstanding personal contributions to protecting human life and freedom" after SpaceX provided Ukraine access to Starlink. The award credits Starlink as a communications lifeline for Ukrainian forces and civilians since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 and notes the system's integration into drone operations, allowing operators to maintain links and navigate drones over longer distances. Ukraine's use of Starlink contributed to an early-success middle-strike drone campaign that disrupted Russian logistics and put pressure on Crimea, giving Kyiv battlefield momentum not seen since the 2022 counteroffensives. SpaceX has permitted Starlink use inside Ukrainian territory, including some Russian-occupied regions, while restricting use inside Russia and blocking unauthorized terminals used by Russian forces. Zelenskyy is urging Musk to allow Starlink over Russian territory to support longer-range Ukrainian drone strikes, a move Musk has said would be a significant and dangerous escalation. The award signals Kyiv's reliance on Musk and SpaceX for wartime connectivity and reflects ongoing efforts, including appeals to the United States, to persuade Musk to expand Starlink's operational reach for Ukraine. There was no immediate comment from Elon Musk on the decree.

Tim White
@twmcltd.bsky.social

The most surprising news of the day is this. I guess it will provoke the strongest reactions as Zelenskyy bestowed on Elon Musk the Order of Freedom. Is it: To undermine Fedorov's imminent visit? To do with the CIA Director's trip to Moscow? Ukraine Starlink ban inside Russia being lifted?

8445d ago
MAKS 26 👀🇺🇦
@maks23.bsky.social

🇺🇦👀🇺🇸 Zelensky awarded Elon Musk the Order of Freedom. The decree states that the businessman was awarded “for outstanding personal merits in protecting people’s lives and freedom, and in developing relations between the peoples of Ukraine and the United States.”

8945d ago
3 sources