Italy terminates agreement with SpaceX regarding Starlink

Italian authorities have frozen negotiations with SpaceX for access to the Starlink network, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed in an interview with La Repubblica, published yesterday.

European officials have repeatedly criticized American billionaire Elon Musk for his statements on Ukraine and Europe.

They clashed with Musk earlier over fears that access to the Starlink network could be cut off in Ukraine, the Telegraph reports.

Earlier this year, the Italian government explored the possibility of a Starlink deal, but opposition politicians strongly condemned the idea, citing Musk's comments about Ukraine.

"It seems to me that everything has stopped, the topic has moved from Starlink to statements by that person and about that person," said the Minister of Defense.

He added that negotiations are currently on hold and that Italy will focus on what is "useful and safe" for the country as part of its defense contracts.

Italy is not currently working on a contract with Starlink, but will consider this possibility in the future, Crosetto stressed.

"The technical plan is not being reviewed. When the controversies calm down and the time is right, there will be talks at the technical level," he added.

European officials have expressed concern that Starlink could cut off Ukraine's internet access, following media reports that Washington had allegedly threatened to cut off the service to pressure Kiev into signing a mineral deal with the US.

Internet access via Starlink is essential for Ukrainian forces to communicate on the battlefield. /Telegraph/