Ukrainian forces launch an ambitious plan to encircle Russian troops near Beryslav, east of Kherson city.
Starlink’s satellite internet is vital to Ukraine’s military: – Used for drones – Artillery targeting – Troop coordination
SpaceX engineer Michael Nicolls, following direct orders from Elon Musk, deactivates Starlink coverage over critical battle zones—causing a communications blackout.
Immediate Battlefield Consequences – Surveillance drones grounded – Artillery loses precision – Troops unable to coordinate – Ukrainian encirclement plan collapses
Sources say Musk acted out of concern that a successful Ukrainian advance might provoke Russian nuclear retaliation—after threats from President Putin.
Musk’s decision stuns Starlink staff, Kyiv, and Washington, highlighting the tremendous influence a private individual holds in modern warfare.
Despite previous statements from Musk denying Starlink was ever disabled during the conflict, new investigation and eyewitness accounts reveal otherwise.
Though Ukraine eventually retakes Beryslav, the incident raises alarms about dependence on private tech in wartime—and the power it grants its owners.