Elon Musk criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for perpetuating what he termed an “evil” “forever war” against Russia, suggesting that if he disabled Starlink, Ukraine’s defense would collapse. He expressed his disgust with the ongoing conflict’s stalemate and called for immediate peace. Musk also proposed sanctions on top Ukrainian oligarchs, claiming they influence Democratic actions. In a previous statement, he suggested that Zelensky should receive amnesty for a peaceful transition of power. Starlink, essential for Ukraine’s military communications amidst damaged networks, has played a crucial role in facilitating battlefield command and control since Russia’s invasion began in 2022.
Washington, DC:
Shortly after labeling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “evil” for advocating a “forever war” against Russia, American billionaire Elon Musk cautioned on Sunday that the entire frontline of Ukraine’s defense could collapse if he chose to disable his Starlink satellite internet service, which is crucial for maintaining military communications.
On X, Musk expressed feeling “sickened by” the lengthy “slaughter in a stalemate that Ukraine will inevitably lose.”
“I directly challenged Putin to a one-on-one physical battle over Ukraine, and my Starlink system acts as the backbone of the Ukrainian military. Their entire frontline would fall apart if I turned it off. What sickens me is the years of slaughter in a stalemate that Ukraine will inevitably lose. Anyone who genuinely cares and understands wants the meat grinder to stop. PEACE NOW,” he stated.
I literally challenged Putin to one on one physical combat over Ukraine and my Starlink system is the backbone of the Ukrainian army. Their entire front line would collapse if I turned it off.
What I am sickened by is years of slaughter in a stalemate that Ukraine will…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 9, 2025
Donald Trump’s billionaire adviser also urged sanctions on the top 10 Ukrainian oligarchs, “particularly those with mansions in Monaco,” following a demonstration where a massive Ukrainian flag was displayed near the White House. He suggested that Ukrainian oligarchs are funding the actions of Democrats.
Place sanctions on the top 10 Ukrainian oligarchs, especially the ones with mansions in Monaco, and this will stop immediately.
That is the key to the puzzle. https://t.co/hgw8tQsEs6
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 9, 2025
“Imposing sanctions on the top 10 Ukrainian oligarchs, particularly those residing in Monaco, could bring this to a halt immediately. It is the key to the situation,” he replied to a post on X questioning “who funded” the enormous Ukrainian flag, reportedly the largest in the world, that was displayed near the White House.
Earlier on Tuesday, in response to a post on X accusing Zelensky of extending the war to cling to power, Musk agreed, stating, “True. As distasteful as it may be, Zelensky should be offered some form of amnesty in a neutral location in exchange for a peaceful transition back to democracy in Ukraine.”
He further criticized the Ukrainian leader more directly, saying, “Zelensky desires a never-ending war, a continuous cycle of corruption. This is evil.”
In February, Reuters reported that the United States might leverage Starlink access in negotiations with Kyiv regarding its essential minerals.
How Crucial Is Starlink To Ukraine?
Starlink users connect to the internet for data or voice communications using a small satellite dish to relay signals from a constellation of satellites overhead.
With Ukraine’s fixed-line and mobile networks severely damaged due to bombings since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Starlink has stepped in to help by providing tens of thousands of satellite dishes with terminals.
Some of these are made available to civilians, often to help them contact relatives via smartphones.
However, most are utilized by Ukraine’s armed forces, who face challenges such as heavy signal jamming and interception of communications along the front lines. Ukrainian units frequently communicate with each other via Starlink, making its services essential for battlefield command and control.
Ukraine also employed Starlink to guide attack drones until Musk’s company, SpaceX, restricted this practice two years ago.
Initially, SpaceX helped fund the provision of Starlink to Ukraine, after which the U.S. government took over. Recently, Poland announced that it had been covering Ukraine’s Starlink subscription and would continue to do so.