Elon Musk gets Ukraine’s top honour as Zelensky pushes for Starlink access over Russian territory

Ukraine has awarded its highest civilian honor, the Order of Merit, to Elon Musk in recognition of his company's vital assistance during the conflict. Starlink satellite internet terminals provided by SpaceX have been instrumental in maintaining communication networks for Ukrainian forces and civilians in areas where traditional infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed by Russian attacks.

The award coincides with ongoing discussions and requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for expanded Starlink access. Specifically, Ukraine seeks to utilize the service over Russian-occupied territories, aiming to circumvent Moscow's information control and potentially disrupt Russian military operations. Musk's decision to provide Starlink to Ukraine was a significant intervention, offering a crucial lifeline amid widespread communication disruptions.