Elon Musk Reportedly Stopped Ukraine's 'Mini-Pearl Harbor' Against Russia Fearing Nuclear Retaliation: 'How Am I In This War?'

According to a new biography excerpt, billionaire Elon Musk intervened in the Ukrainian conflict by ordering SpaceX engineers to disable the Starlink satellite network near Crimea to thwart a Ukrainian surprise attack, termed a “mini-Pearl Harbor” on the Russian naval fleet.

The biography, penned by Walter Isaacson, recounts how Musk’s fears of nuclear retaliation from Russia led him to reject appeals from Ukrainian officials to reactivate the satellites. Isaacson’s book, set to be published by Simon & Schuster on September 12, offers an in-depth look into Musk’s decision-making during the conflict.

After Russia sabotaged Ukraine’s communication systems prior to its full-scale invasion in 2022, Musk supplied Ukraine with millions of dollars worth of Starlink satellite terminals. However, when Ukraine used these terminals for offensive attacks, Musk had second thoughts.

"How am I in this war?" Musk reportedly asked Isaacson. "Starlink was not meant to be involved in wars. It was so people can watch Netflix and chill and get online for school and do good peaceful things, not drone strikes."

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While Musk originally agreed to fund the Starlink gear for Ukraine, he later backed out, sparking a disagreement with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. Eventually, a deal was struck with the US and European governments to supply another 100,000 satellite dishes to Ukraine at the start of 2023.

"The Pentagon had a $145 million check ready to hand to me, literally," Isaacson quoted the SpaceX president and COO as saying. "Then Elon succumbed to the bullshit on Twitter and to the haters at the Pentagon who leaked the story."

Musk’s actions during the Ukrainian conflict highlight the unique and influential position he holds, with US officials finding it difficult to ignore his influence. The story also underscores the ongoing importance of the Starlink network in the war.

At the time of writing, SpaceX stock has not seen significant movement following these revelations.

Image By Frederic Legrand – COMEO On Shutterstock

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