Elon Musk.Photo: spacex. Inset: Getty
Officials in Ukraine announced they have received a shipment of satellite internet terminals fromElon Muskto help them remain onlineas they continue to resist Russia’s invasion.
Over the weekend, Ukraine’s minister of digital transformation Mykhailo Fedorov reached out to Musk on Twitter asking him to allow access SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service, Starlink.
“While you try to colonize Mars — Russia try to occupy Ukraine!” Fedorovwrote.
“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,” he added.
Replying to Fedorov, Musk said that Starlink internet had been activated in Ukraine and that the terminals needed to connect with his satellites were already on their way.
“Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route,” Musk, 50,tweetedon Saturday.
On Monday, Fedorov tweeted a picture of ashipping truck full of Starlink terminals, as he thanked Musk.
“Starlink — here. Thanks, @elonmusk,” hewroteto the SpaceX and Tesla Motors CEO.
“You are most welcome,” Musk replied.
SpaceX did not immediately return PEOPLE’s request for comment.
According toCNN, Starlink has about 145,000 users in 25 counties as of January. Its satellites operate in low-Earth orbit, and provide continuous coverage, allowing for fast download and upload speeds.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues after the country invaded on Thursday, with forces moving from the north, south and east.
Parts of Ukraine have since suffered repeated internet and electricity outages. Satellite internet company Viasat toldCNBCthat they started experiencing network outages on Feb. 24, the day the Russian invasion began.
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Putin insists Ukraine has historic ties to Russia and he is acting in the interest of so-called “peacekeeping.”
source: people.com
