Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has urged Congress to investigate after it was reported that Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, blocked Ukraine’s access to Starlink internet services. The move was allegedly intended to prevent an attack on Russian warships. Warren believes that this incident raises concerns about the role of billionaires in shaping foreign policy and highlights the need for government-led decision-making in this area.
The incident has also prompted Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall to question the need for clearer terms in future contracts with SpaceX. The Pentagon heavily relies on SpaceX for various purposes beyond the situation with Ukraine. As military planners review how to ensure service assurances in future conflicts, Kendall stresses the expectation that SpaceX will support combat operations.
In other news, the Ukrainian military’s Strategic Communications Directorate reported a successful strike on a Russian drone base operating in the occupied Donetsk region. The extent of casualties or damaged drones remains unknown at this time.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vetoed a bill that would have allowed lawmakers to keep their assets secret for an additional year. Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of transparency as Ukraine aims to join the European Union.
Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin. The discussions are expected to cover trade, cultural exchanges, and undisclosed sensitive matters. It is likely that these discussions will involve deals related to weapons and ammunition, which Russia needs for its activities in Ukraine.
Additionally, the United Russia party, strongly supportive of Putin, has won legislative supermajorities in illegally annexed regions as well as Crimea. The election has been widely criticized by Ukraine and Western countries as a sham and violation of international law. The European Union has declared non-recognition of the elections and its results, warning of consequences for those involved in organizing such actions.
(Source: Bloomberg, Associated Press)