Elon Musk gets Ukraine’s top honour as Zelensky pushes for Starlink access over Russian territory
The honour recognises his contribution to protecting human life and freedom and to strengthening relations between Ukraine and the United States.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has bestowed SpaceX founder Elon Musk with one of Ukraine's highest national awards, the Order of Freedom, in recognition of his role in bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities through Starlink satellite internet service. The prestigious honor acknowledges Musk's contributions to safeguarding human life, promoting freedom, and strengthening ties between Ukraine and the United States.
This decision comes as Ukraine seeks authorization to deploy Starlink terminals over Russian territory, potentially enabling its forces to sustain satellite connectivity during extended-range drone missions targeting Russian military installations. Starlink has been instrumental in Ukraine's military operations since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, providing indispensable communication and navigation support for ground troops and drone operators alike.
Ukraine has been lobbying SpaceX to grant broader access to the satellite network, even in Russian-occupied areas, to enhance its drone capabilities and counter Russian missile launches against Ukrainian cities. While Zelensky expressed concerns that Musk might oppose the expanded use due to its perceived escalation of the conflict, Ukraine persists in its efforts to secure increased Starlink access.
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