Elon Musk warned Ukraine on Sunday that its frontline would collapse if he cut off its access to Starlink. His statement added to ongoing debates about Starlink’s role in the war.

Starlink Keeps Ukraine Connected

Musk’s company, SpaceX, provided Ukraine with Starlink in 2022 after Russian attacks destroyed its communication systems. Since then, experts have emphasized that Ukraine relies on Starlink for drone operations. Without it, they argue, Ukraine’s military efforts would suffer a major setback.

Musk Defends Himself Against Criticism

Recently, some people accused Musk of focusing too much on Ukraine rather than criticizing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. In response, he defended himself on X.

"I literally challenged Putin to one-on-one physical combat over Ukraine, and my Starlink system is the backbone of the Ukrainian army. Their entire front line would collapse if I turned it off," Musk wrote.

Furthermore, he expressed frustration with the ongoing war. "What I am sickened by is years of slaughter in a stalemate that Ukraine will inevitably lose. Anyone who really cares, really thinks, and really understands wants the meat grinder to stop. PEACE NOW!!"

Musk Calls for Sanctions on Ukrainian Oligarchs

In addition, Musk, who serves as an adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump, called for sanctions on Ukraine’s richest individuals. Specifically, he targeted oligarchs who own luxury homes in Monaco.

"Place sanctions on the top 10 Ukrainian oligarchs, especially the ones with mansions in Monaco, and this will stop immediately. That is the key to the puzzle," he wrote.

U.S. Officials Allegedly Pressured Ukraine Over Starlink

Meanwhile, reports have surfaced that U.S. officials threatened to cut Ukraine’s access to Starlink to push the country into signing a minerals deal.

Last year, Ukraine used 42,000 Starlink terminals, with Poland funding half of them. According to a source familiar with discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials, losing Starlink would be devastating.

"Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star," the source said. "Losing Starlink … would be a massive blow."