Elon Musk acknowledged that SpaceX restricted Starlink service in Ukraine, saying the company closed a loophole after Ukrainian forces used the civilian internet network to support offensive drone strikes. He argued that such military use violated Starlink’s terms and should not have been permitted. His admission followed days of uncertainty over who ordered the disruption: Musk had initially pointed toward decisions by the U.S. military and President Donald Trump, while Trump said he was not involved. The disruption occurred during Russian attacks on Kyiv, when Starlink connectivity and access to intelligence were critical.
The account challenges Musk’s justification by noting that the Russian strikes at the time hit facilities supplying Kyiv with heat and electricity and damaged a residential building, killing at least nine people. Ukrainian officials said better intelligence might have helped prevent the attacks, but U.S. systems reportedly failed to detect the missiles, citing bad weather. The service interruption also came amid wider pressure on Kyiv: after Trump arranged a diesel deal with Vladimir Putin, the administration reportedly threatened to restrict intelligence sharing and weapons deliveries unless Ukraine halted attacks on Russian oil refineries. Former U.S. officials told Reuters that both the Biden and Trump administrations had previously asked SpaceX to modify Starlink availability in Ukraine and elsewhere, suggesting government influence over the service is broader than Trump has publicly acknowledged.
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From August 2028, universities in England will pay £925 ($1,200) annually for each international student above an exemption threshold of 220, including current and new students. The government expects the levy to raise revenue for education, while university leaders warn it could strain finances and push up tuition fees. (africa.businessinsider.com)
The Pentagon is developing a plan for major U.S. bases to sustain essential operations independently for 90 days, including power, water, fuel, and communications. Separately, Britain is advising households to keep enough food, water, and cash for three days of disruption; officials say the efforts are not coordinated and do not signal an imminent war. (fortune.com)
“Buy, borrow and die” lets wealthy investors hold appreciating assets, borrow against them instead of selling, and pass them to heirs, who may receive a higher tax basis. The strategy can reduce capital-gains taxes while creating demand for loans secured by investments. (wsj.com)
The US fired an estimated 609 missile interceptors defending Israel from October 2023 through September 2026, including 186 SM-3s and 378 THAADs. The analysis estimates the interceptors cost $11 billion, exceeding Israel’s own use of ballistic-missile defenses. (stephensemler.com)
Microsoft is offering voluntary exits to 60,000 employees at level 70 or below in the U.S., India, Canada, and the UK. The program has prompted speculation that further layoffs are coming, but the post does not confirm that connection. (twitter.com)
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