The tycoon threatened to interrupt the service a few days ago, arguing that he will not be able to continue financing “indefinitely”
Communications through the internet of the Ukrainian Army is vital in the counteroffensive against Russia. Aware of this, the European Union (EU) is considering paying the cost of maintaining the Starlink satellites -owned by tycoon Elon Musk- to keep the country connected during the war. This is how the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, slipped it at his entrance to the meeting of European foreign ministers on Monday. Musk “can wake up one day and say that he doesn’t want to do that,” he said, referring to the businessman’s statements, which assured that he could not continue to cover expenses “indefinitely.”
A group of countries has already supported the idea of economically maintaining Starlink services, expenses that could be borne by the European Peace Mechanism. Through this tool, the Twenty-seven have sent arms, military equipment and ammunition to kyiv worth 3,000 million euros.
Through this initiative, the EU seeks to shield Ukraine’s internet connection from Musk’s controversial statements and his changing position. The American billionaire ignited Ukrainian public opinion by suggesting that the only way to peace was for kyiv to accept the annexation of Crimea and the referendums of the territories occupied by the Russian Army. In addition, he went so far as to ask that the Pentagon bear the cost of the satellites.
Just a few days ago, however, he rectified and assured that he would continue to finance the use of Starlink in Ukraine. However, the EU is not willing to let this communication system – essential for the Ukrainian forces – depend on Musk’s humor.
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