A previously unreported order by Elon Musk to cut satellite communications over a portion of Ukraine disrupted a counteroffensive by Kyiv in the autumn of 2022. Reuters investigated the billionaire's order and its implications for countries increasingly reliant on his Starlink internet service.

In September 2022, Elon Musk ordered the shutdown of Starlink coverage in key Ukrainian regions, affecting the country's military counteroffensive efforts against Russia. This move raised concerns about Musk's influence over geopolitical affairs through Starlink's critical satellite internet service,