How Elon Musk became a power player in the Ukraine war

Elon Musk, the enigmatic tech billionaire, has unexpectedly risen to prominence as a significant player in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. He holds sway over a critical communications network that is proving indispensable to Kyiv's struggle against Russia.

According to a newly published biography of Elon Musk, his influence on this geopolitical stage has been nothing short of remarkable. The biography reveals how Musk exercised his newfound power by single-handedly obstructing a major Ukrainian military operation last year. He accomplished this by refusing to extend the capabilities of Starlink, a groundbreaking network consisting of thousands of low-orbit satellites that deliver internet access to remote regions. This move, in essence, thwarted a substantial Ukrainian raid. Additionally, there have been reports of Musk's involvement in limiting Ukraine's military capabilities on other fronts.

As this narrative unfolds, some experts argue that the United States should seek to reduce its dependence on Musk's technologies. However, they also acknowledge that Starlink's technology is exceptionally unique and challenging to replicate on a fast timetable. In the interim, they suggest closer collaboration with Elon Musk to prevent future incidents similar to the botched Ukrainian raid.

The Biden administration has, for the most part, remained taciturn regarding Musk's controversial role in the Ukraine conflict. Nevertheless, certain officials are advocating for contractual arrangements that offer greater oversight when relying on commercial systems for operational use.

Musk's direct involvement in operations in Crimea last year has stirred outrage in Kyiv. Prominent Ukrainian advisers and officials working under President Volodymyr Zelensky have publicly condemned Musk for his actions as revealed in the biography.

Despite the controversies surrounding him, it is undeniable that Starlink plays an indispensable role in Ukraine today. It not only provides crucial communication links for the military but also connects civilians in areas where traditional networks are lacking.

The extraordinary and irreplaceable nature of Starlink's technology places both Ukraine and the United States in a precarious position. Nathan Marx, a research fellow, suggests that Elon Musk's influence dynamics in Ukraine are indicative of the substantial power that private companies and defense contractors wield in Washington.

Musk commenced supplying Starlink services to Ukraine in early 2022, shortly after Russian forces wiped out Ukrainian communication infrastructure ahead of their invasion. Over time, Starlink has become the backbone of communication for Ukrainian forces, ensuring they can maintain radio contact and access vital internet services.

However, Musk's stance on funding these services has been far from consistent, causing consternation within the Pentagon about the potential for disruptions. The uncertainty led to several high-level meetings on how to address this situation.

The Pentagon eventually announced in June that it had entered into a contract with Musk to fund Starlink services, although specifics of the arrangement remain undisclosed.

In Russia, Musk's efforts have garnered positive reactions. Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and deputy chair of Russia's Security Council, praised Musk as the "last adequate mind in North America." Even President Vladimir Putin referred to Musk as an "outstanding person."

Musk's peace plan proposal on his social platform X last October, which suggested that Russia could retain Crimea while elections would decide the fate of four Ukrainian regions occupied by Russia, was also welcomed by Russian officials. Although reports suggest that Musk had direct discussions with Putin before unveiling the plan, Musk himself denies these allegations.

Alp Sevimlisoy, a millennium fellow at the Atlantic Council, suggests that Musk's alignment with some Republicans who advocate for ending the war and a softer stance on supporting Ukraine has placed him in a complex geopolitical position. While Musk desires to be taken seriously on the world stage, Washington appears to be maintaining a cautious distance from him.

In this evolving narrative, the uniqueness and indispensability of Musk's technology have posed intricate challenges for both Ukraine and the United States, as they grapple with the dynamics of relying on private-sector technologies in sensitive geopolitical situations.