Expert Warns About Musk's Technology: 'Not Particularly Safe'

Elon Musk is accused of disabling Starlink over Ukraine during an attack on Russian forces. This is not entirely unexpected, according to defense analyst Peter Jacobsen.

– It aligns with concerns about whether people have become too dependent on Elon Musk, as it is not particularly safe, he tells BT.

"Panic-stricken, dark, and desperate."

This is how Ukrainian soldiers in the Kherson area reportedly reacted when their Starlink connection suddenly disappeared during a burning offensive in September 2022.

On Friday, Reuters revealed that the decision came from Starlink's owner, the world's richest man, Elon Musk.

– I don't know if it's true, but it fits, says Peter Viggo Jacobsen, defense analyst, to Danish BT.

Went Against Then-President Biden

In September 2022, the U.S. stance on Ukraine was different, as Joe Biden was still president.

– Musk has therefore done something that went against the then-American President Joe Biden's policy, says Jacobsen.

He also raises a warning about becoming too dependent on Musk's technology, something he believes has been a justified concern as it "is not particularly safe."

'Ukraine Will Deny'

The shutdown may have cost Ukrainian lives, according to the expert. But in the long run, it should not have had such dire consequences.

– It meant that the operation directly affected failed, but it could have happened anyway. Ukraine also managed to retake territory, so it has not affected the war as a whole, says Jacobsen.

Lori Garver, former NASA chief, believes Ukraine needs guarantees that Musk will not just shut down Starlink.

– We will need to consider how comfortable the U.S. really is with relying on SpaceX for national security, she tells Reuters.

But Ukraine has no interest in portraying Musk as a traitor, as he can easily shut down the Starlink connection completely.

– That would be very foolish. They will pretend as if nothing has happened, says Jacobsen to BT.