On 26/8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree awarding Elon Musk the Order of Liberty. The award recognizes Musk's "contributions to protecting human freedom and life, and fostering relations between the people of Ukraine and the US." This honor comes as Ukraine seeks broader permission for Starlink use to target Russian missile launchers.

Ukrainian media reports that this is the nation's highest honor for foreign citizens. The American billionaire has not yet commented on receiving the Order of Liberty from President Zelensky.

Musk's company, SpaceX, operates the Starlink satellite internet network, which has been crucial for maintaining connectivity in Ukraine. The Ukrainian military has widely used the system since the conflict with Russia began in early 2022.

Elon Musk speaks in Davos, Switzerland in January. Photo: AP

Starlink provides high-speed communication links for Ukraine's combat positions and command centers. When integrated with unmanned aerial vehicles, Starlink terminals offer connections resistant to jamming and free from the limitations of traditional radio antennas.

Earlier this year, SpaceX collaborated with Ukrainian officials to prevent the Russian military from using Starlink transceivers. They launched an authentication system, ensuring only approved and "whitelisted" devices could operate in Ukraine. President Zelensky credits this decision for Ukraine's battlefield successes this year.

President Zelensky awarded Musk the Order of Liberty amid Ukraine's ongoing efforts to secure SpaceX's permission. Ukraine seeks to use Starlink to control unmanned aerial vehicles for targeting ballistic missile launchers on Russian territory, aiming to prevent Moscow from launching missiles into Ukrainian cities.

Musk currently restricts Starlink use to Ukrainian territory or areas controlled by Moscow since 2014, including the Crimean Peninsula. According to President Zelensky, if allowed to use Starlink more broadly, Ukraine could diminish "the capabilities Russia relies on to prolong the war."

An FP-1 unmanned aerial vehicle launched from an undisclosed location in Ukraine on 16/8. Photo: AP

However, on 7/8, The Atlantic magazine cited two close allies of former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov. They stated that Musk is refusing Kyiv's request, arguing that it is time for Ukraine to reach a peace agreement with Russia.

In 2022, Musk cut off access for Ukrainian forces during an operation near the Crimean Peninsula. He expressed concern that such an action could provoke a nuclear response from Russia.

On 22/8, President Zelensky stated that the American billionaire might change his stance on allowing Ukraine to use the Starlink network on Russian soil. "Musk currently views this as an escalation. However, he might change his mind after considering additional arguments," the Ukrainian leader stated.

Pham Giang (According to Kyiv Independent, Hromadske, United24 Media)