Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk the Order of Freedom, one of Ukraine’s highest state honours, in recognition of his role in providing Starlink satellite internet services to the country following Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has become a critical component of Ukraine’s military operations, supporting communications and coordination among commanders and troops.

Ukrainian forces have also relied heavily on the satellite network for drone operations, enabling longer-range strikes and improving their ability to target Russian positions.

While Musk has restricted Starlink access in Russia, the service remains available across Ukrainian territory, including areas under Russian occupation. SpaceX earlier this year also moved to block unauthorised Starlink terminals reportedly being used by Russian forces in occupied Ukrainian territories.

However, Musk’s significant influence over Ukraine’s military communications has raised concerns and generated tensions between Kyiv and the billionaire.

Zelenskyy has urged Musk to permit Starlink access over Russian territory to support longer-range Ukrainian drone operations. Musk has rejected the request, arguing that such a move could risk further escalation of the conflict.

Zelenskyy has also appealed to the US government to persuade Musk to reconsider his position.

The dispute has highlighted the extent of Musk’s influence over Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities and has also contributed to political tensions in Kyiv.

Confusion over whether SpaceX had authorised Starlink operations inside Russia reportedly contributed to tensions between Zelenskyy and former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Fedorov was dismissed in July, with inaccurate information from his ministry regarding SpaceX’s approval reportedly contributing to strained exchanges with US President Donald Trump, who accused Zelenskyy of misleading him.