Why did Elon Musk get Ukraine’s Order of Freedom honour?
Elon Musk received Ukraine’s Order of Freedom, one of the country’s highest state honours, from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday for his “outstanding personal merits” in protecting human life and freedom and strengthening ties with the United States.The award recognises Musk’s influential role in Ukraine’s war effort through Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet network, reported AP. After Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Starlink became a crucial communications lifeline for Ukraine and is now deeply integrated into its military operations, helping troops communicate, coordinate and operate drones.Musk’s influence, however, has also made him a source of vulnerability for Kyiv. While Starlink works across Ukrainian territory, including Russian-occupied areas, Musk has restricted its use inside Russia. Zelenskyy has urged him to reconsider the policy, which could allow Ukrainian forces to maintain connectivity during longer-range drone operations targeting Russian military and economic infrastructure.Earlier this year, SpaceX also blocked unauthorised Starlink terminals used by Russian forces in occupied territory.Musk’s role has increasingly spilled into Ukrainian politics. Confusion over whether SpaceX had approved Starlink use for operations inside Russia contributed to tensions between Zelenskyy and then-Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was the government’s main interlocutor with Musk. Fedorov was dismissed in July as part of a wider government shake-up.Musk made no immediate comment on receiving the award, which was announced through a presidential decree.
