The European Union is reportedly working to replace Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine, citing concerns over the tech mogul's growing criticism of Ukraine’s war effort and the potential risk of service disruption. Musk’s company, SpaceX, has been a major support for Ukraine, donating over 40,000 satellite terminals since 2022. However, after Musk denied a Ukrainian request to activate Starlink over Crimea, tensions have risen, and the EU is now exploring alternative options, reports Politico.
Reports from Politico reveal that the EU is in talks with companies like French-British satellite operator Eutelsat to find a reliable replacement. Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke confirmed discussions over expanding satellite capacity and shipping user kits to Ukraine. Despite these efforts, experts warn that no competitor currently matches Starlink’s scale, with Starlink operating about 7,000 satellites compared to Eutelsat’s 600. The EU’s initiative reflects growing concerns that Starlink’s reliance on Musk could jeopardize Ukraine's military communications, especially with the billionaire’s shifting stance on the conflict.
European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier confirmed that EU-level discussions are ongoing, indicating the bloc’s commitment to securing reliable satellite connectivity for Ukraine. However, experts caution that replacing Starlink's infrastructure would be a major challenge for any new provider, potentially leaving Ukraine vulnerable without a sufficient alternative.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
