It has been revealed that Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and Tesla, is using his satellites to help assist the Ukrainian military in fighting the Russian invasion and maintain internet communication throughout the country.
Some parts of Ukraine are facing internet outages due to the conflict, and it is feared that this could result in important information not being seen by the population. However, Musk's Starlink satellites are now allowing people to get online. The satellite system means there is no need for fibre-optic cables.
SpaceX has launched over 2,000 satellites into space since 2018 and it is hoped that they can also be used for surveillance purposes within Ukraine, including, potentially, as a tool for the Ukrainian military.
Musk's decision came after the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine tweeted him:
"@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."
Dear @elonmusk 👋
— Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) February 26, 2022
Ukraine needs your support. Your stance and your actions matter.
An appeal by our Minister of Digital Transformation here👇 https://t.co/7dhrwApApZ
On Saturday, Musk tweeted in response:
"Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route."
Starlink terminals are coming to Ukraine! Thank you @elonmusk, thank you everyone, who supported Ukraine! pic.twitter.com/xHDYHunhsW
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) February 26, 2022
The nation's official twitter account went on to say:
"Starlink terminals are coming to Ukraine! Thank you (Elon Musk), thank you everyone, who supported Ukraine!"
thanx, appreciate it https://t.co/OWm2Yu2WKC
— Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) February 26, 2022
The Vice Prime Minister has also asked Netflix, Google, and other major online companies to help in blocking content and getting out the story about Ukraine, saying:
"We've also asked (Netflix) for the support. We appealed to them to block the Russian Federation's access to Netflix and shut off Russian content. We believe you do care. Let's stop this disgraceful bloody war!"
Use of the internet for both information and propaganda purposes has become a key cornerstone of the ongoing conflict that is believed to have already taken thousands of Ukrainian and Russian lives.
[Based on reporting by: MSN]
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