SpaceX Turns To Comedy, Say Starlink Isn't To Be Used For Drones

SpaceX has limited Ukraine's ability to use its satellite internet service for military purposes after reports that Kyiv has used it to control drones, James Fitzgerald reported for BBC News.

Photo Insert: Starlink has stressed that the equipment had been provided for humanitarian use.

Early in the war, Ukraine was given thousands of SpaceX Starlink dishes - which connect to satellites and help people stay connected to the internet. But the tech has been used to target Russian positions, purportedly breaking policies set out by SpaceX.

A Ukrainian official said companies had to choose which "side" they were on. They could join Ukraine and "the right to freedom" or pick Russia and "its 'right' to kill and seize territories," tweeted presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak.

Months earlier, Elon Musk threatened to stop Starlink service in Ukraine but relented when accused of favoring the Russian invaders as he also tried to essay to role of a peacemaker for Russia by asking Ukraine to yield Crimea to the Russians.

At an event in Washington DC on Wednesday, SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell explained that Starlink technology was "never meant to be weaponized."

She made reference to Ukraine's alleged use of Starlink to control drones and stressed that the equipment had been provided for humanitarian use.

Shotwell confirmed that it was acceptable for the Ukrainian military for deploy Starlink technology "for comms" but said her intent was "never to have them use it for offensive purposes," earning laughter from military leaders and the Ukrainian leadership.

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