Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman has asserted that control of Starlink should be removed from Elon Musk, arguing that no private individual should wield the power to influence a nation’s security. In a recent post on Substack, Krugman characterised Starlink as a vital military asset, emphasising that decisions regarding its use should be governed by foreign policy and national security considerations.

This critique follows a Wall Street Journal article discussing Musk’s alleged involvement in disruptions of Starlink services in Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia. Musk has acknowledged that he restricted Starlink services, accusing the Ukrainian military of breaching the service’s terms by reportedly using it for offensive drone strikes. Ukraine, however, has maintained that it utilises Starlink solely for defensive operations, asserting that recent service interruptions have hindered its military efforts for over a week.

Krugman contends that allowing Musk to determine Ukraine’s access to Starlink effectively grants him direct influence over the conflict, a responsibility he believes should reside with governmental authorities rather than private entities. He stated, “No private individual should, or indeed even have the capability to, make national security policy,” highlighting the potential risks of such a concentration of power.

Concerns Over Ukraine’s Dependence on Starlink

Krugman’s arguments underscore a growing apprehension regarding Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink, which has been instrumental in maintaining military communications and operating drones against Russian forces. The economist warns that this dependency on a private company could jeopardise Ukraine’s operational capabilities, as decisions made by Musk could directly impact its ability to defend itself.

Starlink is not available in Russia, which is reportedly developing its own satellite communication system to compete with Starlink and Starshield, a variant designed for US defence. Krugman draws parallels between Starlink’s role in modern warfare and the significance of military equipment provided by defence contractors, suggesting that private ownership should not enable individuals to make decisions that could undermine national security interests.

To illustrate his point, Krugman compares Starlink to military technology supplied by companies like Lockheed Martin, which manufactures F-16 fighter jets. He poses a hypothetical scenario where Lockheed Martin might cease to provide essential support to Taiwan, arguing that such a situation would prompt government intervention. He believes that the same logic should apply to Starlink, given its critical importance in contemporary warfare.

Elon Musk’s Defence of Starlink’s Use

In response to Krugman’s assertions, Musk has defended SpaceX’s stance, arguing that the Ukrainian military has misused a civilian commercial service for purposes not permitted under its terms of service. On October 25, Musk stated on X that using Starlink for offensive operations is unacceptable and clarified the distinction between Starlink and Starshield, the latter being governed by the US government.

Musk acknowledged the critical role Starlink plays in Ukraine’s defence, noting that it is currently the only system resistant to jamming or destruction. He warned that the Ukrainian front line would be severely compromised if Starlink services were terminated, framing this statement as a factual observation rather than a threat.

Since the onset of the conflict in 2022, Starlink has been pivotal in maintaining Ukraine’s connectivity, especially after missile strikes and cyberattacks damaged its digital infrastructure. Musk initially provided Starlink antennas to various institutions in Ukraine, enabling the military to operate drones and communicate effectively on the battlefield.

However, concerns regarding Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink have intensified, particularly after a confidential memo warned military officers to prepare for possible service disruptions. Reports indicate that these disruptions have grounded drones and halted military operations, raising alarms about the implications of such dependence on a private entity for national security.

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