SPACEX founder Elon Musk has come to the aid of Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion by moving his Starlink satellites to the besieged country.
The move, which came after a request from Ukraine’s deputy prime minister, will provide much-needed internet access as its army fights back against the military might of Vladimir Putin’s forces.
In a Twitter message to Musk, 50, Mykhailo Fedorov said: "Elon Musk, while you try to colonise Mars – Russia tries to occupy Ukraine!
"While your rockets successfully land from space – Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people! We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations and to address sane Russians to stand."
Within 10 hours the billionaire replied to say the Starlink service was online in Ukraine with more dishes “en route”.
Ukraine’s internet service had been hit during the invasion by Russia’s troops with connectivity to Ukraine's main provider GigaTrans dropping to below 20 per cent of normal levels in the early hours of Friday, according to UK-based NetBlocks.
Mr Fedorov, who also holds the position of digital minister, sent his thanks to Mr Musk.
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In response to Mr Musk’s actions, Mr Fedorov said: “Starlink terminals are coming to Ukraine! Thank you Elon Musk, thank you everyone, who supported Ukraine!”
He also sent a "special thanks" to Ukraine's ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, "for swift decisions related to authorisation and certification that allowed us to activate Starlink in Ukraine".
Mr Musk’s actions were backed by his mum Maye who described the development as “wonderful” and his younger brother Kimbal who shared the post along with the caption: "Go team Ukraine! Putin has to be stopped. It's either now or later. I say now. Are you with me?"
Previously, Mr Musk had said SpaceX will rescue the International Space Station if Russia tries to drop it from orbit after threats by Vladimir Putin's space chief.
In the latest developments in the war, Ukrainian troops have been fighting back against the Russian invaders.
Follow our Ukraine Russia invasion live blog for the very latest news and updates…
Ukrainian troops have destroyed a convoy of Russian special forces made up of Chechen fighters.
In a major setback for the Russian invasion, the Chechen special forces column, including 56 tanks, was obliterated near Hostomel, north-east of the city, the Kyiv Independent reports.
The Russian province of Chechnya is led by the brutal Ramzan Kadyrov, 45, a close ally of Vladimir Putin.
The dead included General Magomed Tushaev, commander of the 141st Motorised Regiment of the Chechen National Guard, according to Ukraine's Interfax Agency.
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