According to Ukrinform’s own correspondent, this was stated at a press briefing by Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder.

Elon Musk replied, “The United States Department of Defense did not make any payments to Starlink company for its systems – for the opportunities Starlink provided to Ukraine.” or the American military department.

At the same time, Ryder said that the US Department of Defense continues to discuss the possibility of including SpaceX in the existing satellite communications system in Ukraine, provided by the Pentagon.

As reported by Ukrinform, in October, SpaceX company filed with the US Department of Defense with a request to take over payment for satellite Internet services in Ukraine provided by Starlink terminals delivered by Musk. Later, the billionaire explained that he did not seek reimbursement of the costs already incurred, but that he would not be able to constantly finance the operation of the terminals, as it would cost the company more than $ 120 million by the end of 2022 and about $ 400 million in the following year. 12 months.

Then the founder of SpaceX announced that he has decided to pursue free funding from the Ukrainian government. Musk even said that he would create a donation feature on Starlink’s checkout page, and that his company eventually closed the issue and formally withdrew its funding request from the US Department of Defense.