Elon Musk is at the center of the controversy: his decision to block Starlink near occupied Crimea is drawing attention from the US Senate. What role does the billionaire play in the geopolitical chess game?

The US Senate Armed Services Committee is currently examining security concerns raised by Elon Musk’s decision to block his Starlink satellite network around Russian-occupied Crimea. Chairman Jack Reed emphasizes that the information available so far regarding the use of Starlink raises serious national security questions.

Committee examines Starlink and Elon Musk’s influence

Reed said the committee should fully investigate all aspects of this issue. The focus is particularly on the entire market for satellite communications, corresponding government contracts and the particularly dominant role that Musk and his company played in this matter. Reed makes it clear that no individual, including Musk, should have the final say on US national security issues. It is important to be clear about this, says Reed, who refers to information from Ukrainska Pravda.