Zelenskyy awards Elon Musk for Starlink's role in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has presented Elon Musk with the Order of Merit for his company SpaceX's provision of Starlink satellite internet terminals. These terminals became crucial for maintaining communication in Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The satellite internet service allowed Ukrainian forces and civilians to stay connected in areas where traditional infrastructure was damaged or destroyed.

Starlink's deployment quickly became a vital asset, enabling everything from military operations and coordination to civilian access to information and emergency services. The technology provided a lifeline during a period of intense disruption, underscoring the impact of private sector innovation on geopolitical conflicts. The award recognizes this significant contribution to Ukraine's resilience.