Zelensky signs decree awarding Elon Musk the “Order of Freedom”

Vladimir Zelensky has signed a decree awarding American entrepreneur Elon Musk Ukraine’s “Order of Freedom.”

This was reported by TASS, citing a document published on the Ukrainian president’s website.

According to the text of the decree, the award was conferred on Musk “for outstanding personal contributions to the protection of human lives and freedom, and the development of relations between the peoples of Ukraine and the United States of America.” Musk’s Starlink satellite communications system is used in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The award came amid reports in American media about tensions surrounding the terms of Starlink’s use. According to The Atlantic, citing sources, Zelensky asked U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House to help expand Starlink’s capabilities, but Trump “did not give a clear answer.”

Musk, for his part, declined a meeting with Zelensky. Sources at The Atlantic also report that Musk is refusing to allow Kyiv to use Starlink to guide strikes deep into Russian territory.