Elon Musk Podcast Musk Ordered Starlink Blackout During Key Ukraine Offensive Ask ChatGPT
Aug 12, 2025
Delve into the controversial decision to limit Starlink coverage in Ukraine during a vital military operation. The discussion highlights the profound implications of private control over military communications in conflict zones. Explore how the shutdown impacted Ukraine's military strategy and the critical choices that shaped communication dynamics. The episode raises urgent questions about accountability and decision-making in global conflicts.
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Starlink Shutdown Disrupted Offensive
- Will Walden reports Elon Musk ordered Starlink coverage cut in late Sep 2022, disabling ~100 terminals.
- Ukrainian drones, artillery and an encirclement lost comms and stalled because of the outage.
Internal Shock And International Alarm
- Will Walden reports SpaceX staff were shocked by the shutdown and saw it reshape front lines.
- Officials in Kiev and Washington reacted with alarm when they learned of the blackout.
Geofencing Allows Cell-Level Shutdowns
- Will Walden explains engineers can deactivate hexagon-shaped Starlink cells via centralized commands.
- That technical ability enables precise blackouts but also concentrates operational control.