Elon Musk activates Starlink internet service in Ukraine amid Russian invasion
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Washington, United States: Elon Musk said Saturday his company SpaceX's Starlink satellite broadband service had been activated in Ukraine.
"Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route," Elon Musk responded to a tweet by Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, in which he had urged the billionaire to help the country with Starlink's internet services days after it was invaded by neighboring Russia.
He also called on the billionaire "to address sane Russians to stand" against their government's invasion.
"@elonmusk, while you try to colonize Mars — Russia try to occupy Ukraine! While your rockets successfully land from space — Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people! We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations and to address sane Russians to stand," Fedorov had said in an emotional request.
Soon after Musk's announcement, many on social media are all praises for the world's richest man, who has come in support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Many thanked him for offering the services at such a crucial time when the war is being fought on the ground and in digital war rooms.
Internet monitor NetBlocks said Ukraine has seen a "series of significant disruptions to internet service" since Thursday, when Russia launched military operations in the country.
Starlink operates a constellation of more than 2,000 satellites that aim to provide internet access across the planet.
The company on Friday launched a further 50 Starlink satellites and many more are slated to be put into Earth's orbit.