Zelensky Awards Musk Amid Ongoing Starlink Access Negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded Elon Musk the Order of Freedom, recognising his contributions to Ukraine's military communications through Starlink. This honour comes as Ukraine seeks to expand Starlink's use over Russian territory to enhance long-range drone operations. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Starlink has been vital for Ukraine's battlefield communications. Musk activated the service shortly after the invasion, but SpaceX has restricted its use inside Russia. The award's timing reflects Ukraine's efforts to maintain relations with Musk while negotiating for broader access to the satellite network. The situation has also highlighted tensions within the Ukrainian government regarding military communications and operations.
Published 3 days ago • 26 Aug 2026, 06:34 PM IST