Ukrainian-American Group Seeks to Block SpaceX Expansion, Raises Concerns over Musk’s Ties to Russia
A Ukrainian-American nonprofit is pushing back against SpaceX’s plan to significantly expand its Starlink satellite internet network, citing concerns about CEO Elon Musk’s ties to Russia and the potential use of Starlink technology by Russian forces in the ongoing war with Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) filed a formal petition with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Wednesday, asking the agency to deny SpaceX’s request to launch an additional 22,488 Starlink satellites into low-earth orbit.
The UCCA’s petition highlights Musk’s controversial decision to thwart a Ukrainian attack on the Russian Black Sea fleet in September 2023 by reportedly instructing engineers to disable Starlink service over Crimea. The group argues that this incident raises serious questions about whether Starlink technology could be inadvertently aiding Russia in its war efforts.
“There is a necessity to determine if Starlink has been used to help a foreign adversary,” UCCA President Michael Sawkiw, Jr., told CNBC. “If yes, this is not in the national security interest of Ukrainian-Americans, or of the entire country.”
The UCCA isn’t alone in expressing concerns about Musk’s relationship with the Kremlin.
The Wall Street Journal reported in October that Musk engaged in a series of “secret conversations” with Russian President Vladimir Putin leading up to the 2024 presidential election. Members of Congress and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson have called for an investigation into these contacts.
Adding to the scrutiny, Newsweek and other media outlets reported in August that Russia had installed Starlink terminals in Iranian-designed Shahed drones used in their offensive against Ukraine. While SpaceX has denied selling Starlink terminals directly or indirectly to Russia, the UCCA argues that the company needs to be more transparent about the use of its technology and take steps to prevent its potential misuse.
Conflict of Interest Concerns
Beyond national security concerns, the UCCA’s petition also raises questions about potential conflicts of interest stemming from Musk’s imminent role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
DOGE, expected to be a powerful federal advisory committee influencing regulations, government spending, and personnel, could potentially recommend changes at the FCC that directly impact SpaceX and other Musk-led companies.
“Musk’s conflicts run the full gamut from financial to objectivity,” the UCCA wrote in its petition. “His companies stand to financially benefit both from receiving government contracts and from actions taken by the federal government, including the FCC. Placing Musk at the head of DOGE is equivalent to allowing a fox to guard the henhouse.”
The UCCA is demanding that the FCC determine how Musk will comply with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, given his dual role with DOGE and SpaceX, before authorizing any further SpaceX requests.
The Group also raised environmental concerns, pointing to SpaceX’s launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas, which they say is located in a “biologically diverse and essential habitat area for many species, including wildlife protected under the Endangered Species Act.”
Citing previous incidents, including a 3.5-acre fire sparked by a Starship explosion in 2023, the UCCA argues that “rocket launches in this area create the real risk of fire and debris being ejected onto adjacent environmentally protected lands.”
The group highlighted reports that vibrations and noise from SpaceX launches damaged nine nests of an endangered bird species in the area, prompting a sarcastic response from Musk on social media. Instead of addressing the environmental
What does the UCCA hope to achieve through its petition to the FCC?
## Interview: Starlink Expansion Blocked by Ukrainian-American Group
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Today, we’re discussing the growing controversy surrounding SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet network and its potential involvement in the war in Ukraine. Joining us today to discuss this complex issue is Michael Sawkiw Jr., President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, which has filed a petition with the FCC to block SpaceX’s expansion plans. Michael, thank you for joining us.
**Sawkiw:** Thank you for having me. This is a critical issue affecting the safety and security of Ukraine, and it is vital that the American public understands the concerns surrounding SpaceX’s actions.
**Host:** Can you tell us more about your organization’s concerns regarding SpaceX?
**Sawkiw:** We are deeply concerned about Elon Musk’s reported decision to disable Starlink service over Crimea, potentially hindering a Ukrainian attack on the Russian Black Sea fleet last September [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/25/europe/ukraine-starlink-drones-russia-intl-cmd/index.html). This raises troubling questions about Musk’s allegiances and whether Starlink technology could inadvertently aid Russia. Our petition to the FCC seeks to halt SpaceX’s expansion until these concerns are properly addressed and measures are taken to prevent future misuse of Starlink technology.
**Host:** SpaceX has maintained that it does not directly sell Starlink terminals to Russia. How does the UCCA address this claim in light of reports suggesting Russian military use of Starlink?
**Sawkiw:** While SpaceX may deny direct sales, there are serious questions about how Russian forces obtained Starlink terminals. We need greater transparency from SpaceX regarding the distribution and use of their technology. We are calling for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that Starlink does not become a tool for Russian aggression against Ukraine.
**Host:** Reports also suggest secret conversations between Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. How does this alleged contact further complicate the situation?
**Sawkiw:** These reports, if true, are deeply alarming. They raise serious questions about Musk’s judgment and potential conflicts of interest. The American people deserve to know the nature of these conversations and whether they impacted SpaceX’s decisions regarding Starlink access.
**Host:** What is the UCCA ultimately hoping to achieve with this petition?
**Sawkiw:** We are calling for a thorough investigation into SpaceX’s activities, greater transparency regarding the use of Starlink technology, and concrete steps to prevent its potential misuse by hostile actors. The national security interests of the United States and Ukraine are at stake. We believe that SpaceX can be a force for good, but only if its operations are subject to proper oversight and accountability.
**Host:** Michael Sawkiw Jr., President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
**Sawkiw:** Thank you for having me.
