This past Thursday, Elon Musk put out a warning to the people of Ukraine that were utilizing SpaceX Starlink terminals that they are at high risk of being targeted by Russians as those terminals are part of the only remaining systems on the ground that allows for online communications.
“Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high,” tweeted out Musk. “Please use with caution.”
Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 3, 2022
When later questioned about how users should use his systems with caution, Musk answered, “Turn on Starlink only when needed and place antenna away as far away from people as possible.”
“Place light camouflage over antenna to avoid visual detection,” stated Musk.
Place light camouflage over antenna to avoid visual detection
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 3, 2022
In comments posted late Saturday evening, Musk stated that SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband service was officially online and available in Ukraine and that there was a shipment of new terminals headed out to the country. This took place as a response to a heartfelt requestion from Mykhailo Fedorov, the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, who tweeted: “@elonmusk, while you try to colonize Mars — Russia try to occupy Ukraine! While your rockets successfully land from space — Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people! We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations and to address sane Russians to stand.”
Ukraine spotlighted the tweet, stating: “Dear @elonmusk, Ukraine needs your support. Your stance and your actions matter. An appeal by our Minister of Digital Transformation here.”
“Starlink service is now active in Ukraine,” answered Musk. “More terminals en route.”
Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 26, 2022
“Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet across the globe. Within each coverage area, orders are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis,” stated the company. “Using advanced satellites in a low orbit, Starlink enables video calls, online gaming, streaming, and other high data rate activities that historically have not been possible with satellite internet.”
“Starlink is ideally suited for areas where connectivity has been unreliable or completely unavailable,” continued the company. “People across the globe are using Starlink to gain access to education, health services and even communications support during natural disasters.”
The requests from the Ukrainian government came in the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin started a full scale Invasion into Ukraine roughly one week ago that has resulted in heavy fighting all across the country.
Ukraine received the promised Starlink terminals at the start of the week, as stated by Fedorov.
“Starlink — here,” Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, stated in a tweet tagging a photo of the newly delivered equipment. “Thanks, @elonmusk.”
Musk answered back with a simple, “You are most welcome.”
You are most welcome
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 28, 2022