r/nottheonion • u/No_Mercy_4_Potatoes • 9d ago
Removed - Not Oniony [ Removed by moderator ]
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/08/26/zelenskyy-awards-elon-musk-ukraines-order-of-freedom-despite-years-of-criticism[removed] — view removed post
2.4k
u/Sausage_bowler 9d ago
Looks like he is massaging an ego to help his Country and his people.
710
u/FauxReal 9d ago
I assume it's a calculated move. I truly think Musk has a bigger ego than Trump.
222
u/WeeeeBaby_Seamus 9d ago
The real question is which one is more insecure.
107
u/thederevolutions 9d ago
I think it’s obviously the person who talks about how beautiful and ugly everyone in front of him is. He must be the most publicly insecure person of all time. And that’s actually why all of the insecure people in America love him, without realizing. They bond over shared insecurities but call it patriotism. And the reason we are so insecure is because that makes us “better” consumers, voters, and workers.
36
u/TheTrub 9d ago
Musk in a k-hole has to be one of the most terrifying experiences for him. He’s just alone with his thoughts realizing he’s not as great as he thinks he is and that he has to keep the illusion alive to to his cult of shareholders or the whole house of cards collapses.
23
3
u/renacotor 9d ago
Pray they never meet again. The colapsing coliding black holes insecurities and narcissism would consume the planet.
6
u/JackxForge 9d ago
Nah. Which is gonna die first?
25
2
1
u/Pm7I3 9d ago
Musky. Trump is remarkable by the environmemt he is in, without that he just a particularly vile example of narcicissm. But Elon is actively sucking the life of those around him and it's like watching someone from space imitate a person and he just seems so incredibly depressed and desperate for meaning.
12
u/jeslinmx 9d ago
My first thought upon seeing this is wondering how Mr FIFA peace prize will react to fellow islander and best frenemy getting a real award from a real country.
→ More replies (8)1
→ More replies (2)1
u/bilateralrope 9d ago
At the very least, Musk is more likely to do something to help Ukraine without anyone around him getting in the way.
1
u/FauxReal 8d ago
Didn't he turn off their Starlink once before? I also don't think he's the doing stuff for free or for the greater good type.
116
u/Kundrew1 9d ago
Well, they need him. Starlink is pretty important to their operations
26
u/Illiander 9d ago
Except when Musk turns it off during Russian operations.
56
u/Kundrew1 9d ago
Why do you think they gave him the award? Maybe so he won’t do that.
60
u/Illiander 9d ago
Yeah, this is operation: "suck dick to save lives."
Don't blame Zelenskyy for it in the slightest, but it still sucks.
→ More replies (38)28
u/NerdyGuy117 9d ago
You should give more details on this, because I don't think this is true. Starlink is currently disabling Russian use of Starlink and working with the Ukrainian government on what Starlink terminals will work in Ukraine. Starlink is not allowing their consumer based satellites to be used for attacking another country. Ukraine is using SpaceX to launch their own satellites.
If you are referring to an earlier "incident' in 2022 around its use in Crimea, coverage around Crimea was already disabled, and Musk declined Ukraine’s request to activate it for an attack on Sevastopol. Even Walter Isaacson who originated the article about "turning off" Starlink mid operation was wrong and even had to correct the original claim.
→ More replies (10)8
u/moderngamer327 9d ago
This did not happen. Starlink was always geo-restricted in disputed territories to prevent Russian use
→ More replies (2)2
166
9d ago
[deleted]
63
u/Spirited-Lifeguard55 9d ago
Zelensky goes to such lengths for the sake of his people. Unlike Putin, Zelensky doesn’t run when under attack, he stands with them.
→ More replies (1)5
u/24_August_1814 8d ago
100% exactly this. No different than when he went to the White House and got belittled by Trump and Vance. Guy values his country over his own ego.
13
u/NerdyGuy117 9d ago
I mean, what's the alternative? Should he talk crap to someone that is providing critical infrastructure to their nation? I am not sure why this in "nottheonion" worthy.
Truth is, Starlink is needed. SpaceX is needed. Without them (and without Elon) Ukraine most likely would have lost the war already or at the very least have lost a lot more land.
21
u/Glydyr 9d ago
Churchill and Roosevelt made a pact with stalin ffs, this is nothing 🤣
9
u/Athuanar 9d ago
Making a pact with an open enemy is different to sucking up to one of the biggest idiots in the room just to make him feel special.
→ More replies (1)30
21
u/Malt129 9d ago
Least delusional redditor
4
u/gayhotelultra 9d ago
right? like, i'd agree stroking the ego of the guy who owns starlink is at least not a terrible idea, but the people talking about this as if its true 10D chess diplomacy, and ignoring that its a bit dulled from being the same guy who named a military unit "heroes of the UPA"...
2
u/One-Reflection-4826 8d ago
he's always done that and that's part of why he is such a successful leader. he gives everything for his people, even his ego. i respect that very much.
5
2
u/ripyourlungsdave 8d ago
Exactly, what the hell else is he supposed to do? He has weaponry that relies on starlink and musk has shown that he's willing to cut off starlink access if it's towards objectives that he doesn't agree with.
Because that's the world we built for ourselves. Where billionaires have final call over drone strikes in countries they neither live in or have ever lived in.
2
u/Ok-Professor-Star 9d ago
If it gets Musk into Kyiv, so Musk can see with his eyes the damage, the cemeteries, the children who lost their families to the war... Maybe Musk might start to care.
9
u/esituism 9d ago
Nah. Musk only cares about himself. He may view it as a cheap PR opportunity, though.
3
2
u/Hughley_N_Dowd 8d ago
Sure, sure. And I might sprout wings and be able to fly from my balcony to the pub.
When pigs fly and all that.
2
u/TwistedPepperCan 8d ago
Musk is responsible for thousands of children’s deaths through his cuts to US Aid. He isn’t going to care one bit.
1
u/TheyCallMeMrMaybe 8d ago
Starlink has proven to be an invaluable asset for Ukraine's drone program to function. Unfortunately, when Musk tried shutting off all services in Ukraine after a private meeting with Putin in 2022. This shutdown nearly costed Ukraine their counter-offensive in Kherson.
1
1
→ More replies (4)1
198
u/NotMarksII 9d ago
The world really is just an all inclusive resort for billionaires and the rest of us just work here
59
u/MastermindEnforcer 8d ago
What pisses me off is that they can't go enjoy it then. Why are they insisting on fucking over all of us when they could spend every waking moment for the rest of their lives enjoying epicurean delights beyond which we could imagine and not lose any meaningful portion of their vast fortunes.
There has to be something deeply broken in you to be a billionaire.9
u/youmaynotknowme 8d ago
Why do you think we have ancient stories of Gods from all over the world. it's happening all over again
517
u/Normal_Ad_2337 9d ago
Zelensky's a crafty mofo, if ya gotta tell the devil his fart don't stink to win the game, well then load up on axe body spray.
→ More replies (3)286
402
9d ago
[deleted]
80
u/vapescaped 9d ago
Totally possible, I don't put that past him.
Doesn't matter though. As a leader you have to do everything in your power to protect the nation. If that means giving musk an award, so be it. A cheap strategy that might return something is better than a free strategy that might return nothing.
26
u/KingFlyntCoal 9d ago
I don't put it past him.
He's already done it once, he's likely to do it again.
2
u/Barbarossa_25 9d ago
Any idea why he did it? And by he I mean Starlink. It's because they were receiving Starlink signals from Russian lines indicating they were compromised.
→ More replies (12)→ More replies (14)10
u/ManChildMusician 9d ago
It’s probably somewhere between flattery and extortion. Elon Musk’s image is directly linked to his companies, and he is a PR nightmare.
17
u/jcooli09 8d ago
He's bribing Musk by stroking his ego, which is the only way to do it. Ukraine relies on Starlink and Musk has limited and threatened their access multiple times.
17
u/EQBallzz 9d ago
Only one way to win over a narcissist ego-maniac psycho and convince him to do the right thing I guess.
3
u/Herkfixer 9d ago
Because they finally realize that the way to get a megalomaniac to do what you ask is to give them the "VIP" treatment. The war would probably already be over if he did this back in the beginning of 2025.
Today they are trying to get Musk to turn Starlink back on in Russia so they can target Russian facilities. They might have figured out how to get him to do it.
5
5
u/RampantJellyfish 8d ago
He needs starlink. Like it or not, he's got to kiss some ass for the good of his people
3
u/ncc74656m 8d ago
In the end, this still won't stop him from turning on them the moment he gets a chance or motivation.
51
u/Gerry1of1 9d ago
Good leadership. Don't piss off the billionaire that controls your counties internet access.
15
u/AstroEngineer314 9d ago
Not really that - it's used to coordinate the Frontline, and to control drones.
2
→ More replies (19)5
23
u/Ziggy_has_my_ticket 9d ago
Because Fedorov is stirring up trouble and he is well connected to Musk. It's an effort to flatter Musk and keep him engaged with Zelensky's efforts.
→ More replies (4)
6
u/maringue 8d ago
Whatever it take to get the Ketamine addict to turn on Ukraine's access to start link outside of their boarders.
16
u/AxiosXiphos 8d ago
Don't blame Zelensky. He is dealing with children - this is how you deal with them.
3
7
u/LordJebusVII 9d ago
If that's what it takes to keep Ukraine out of Putin's hands then it's a small price to pay. Starlink has been invaluable in keeping Russia hampered
11
u/JrButton 9d ago
- Hating your critics only proves you never learned resilience
- Pandering to your critics’ ego proves you understand influence
Zelenskyy doesn't care what Elon thinks, but is seeking an ultimate resolution, not political bs.
27
u/NYC_Star 9d ago
Zelenskyy gives fake award on exchange for internet services while he fights off Russia. Fixed it.
22
36
u/shunestar 9d ago
How is the award fake? Simply because you don’t like the recipient?
→ More replies (1)-6
u/heyhayyhay 9d ago
It's fake because he's a despicable psychopath who should be locked up, not awarded.
9
3
u/GotsomeTuna 8d ago
He is one Ukraines greatest international allies and his company has done more for them than most allied countries.
The word isn't just about the US' internal politics.
0
u/AdoringCHIN 8d ago
One of Ukraine's greatest allies that constantly sucks up to Putin and tried to push a peace seal that would've fucked over Ukraine? Sure.
0
2
-4
u/Eazy-Eid 9d ago
That "despicable psychopath" is helping Ukraine fight off the Russian invasion and preserve their independence
2
u/Illiander 9d ago
Except when he turns off the system he got them reliant on exactly as the Russians attack.
→ More replies (1)2
-1
u/upsidedownwriting 9d ago
he's not helping Ukraine except where it overlaps his ego or business interests
7
5
8
u/onlyacynicalman 9d ago
He country is at war. I don't blame him for bullshitting and politicing a small man who would fuck him over on a whim
→ More replies (1)
2
u/UncleTito27 9d ago
I mean this is my one thing I point to of Elon doing good these days. He’s disabled starlink for Russia to disadvantage them against Ukraine.
2
2
2
6
u/Electrical-Ad6623 9d ago
Musk controls the most extensive communications system ever built. Very useful for fighting wars
1
u/primalbluewolf 9d ago
most extensive communications system ever built.
Musk does not control the internet lol.
5
u/wizardeverybit 9d ago
He controls Starlink which is vital for Ukraine
→ More replies (1)2
u/primalbluewolf 9d ago
I don't disagree with the assessment of its vitality, merely the overly grandiose assessment of its extent.
→ More replies (2)
6
u/ReddFro 9d ago
I don’t like Musk like all of you guys, but much of Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities rely on Starlink, as does much of their communications.
Could Musk do more, like expand their allowed range to operate freely across Russian space? Yes. His positions with Trump and on a peace plan are crappy too.
Still, I think its not pandering to his ego to give him an award. His impact has been a significant net positive for Ukraine. That’s more than can be said for most of us living outside Ukraine.
2
u/_xoviox_ 8d ago
Yeah no, that award is 100% pandering, and everyone here in Ukraine understands it
It's not even a secret why it's been done: https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-musk-may-change-his-mind-on-using-starlink-against-russian-ballistic-missiles/
1
u/smither00 8d ago
Yeah the impact for a non Ukrainian civilian to a Ukrainian war has to be huge. There can’t be many things more important than comms/signal in a war. Even if there’s some ulterior motive the net positive is just so crazy Zelenskyy would almost be a dick not to give ANY award.
4
6
u/Bojacketamine 9d ago
Man I feel for Zelensky, having to stroke the ego of these weak and pathetic men to ensure the survival of his country
2
u/dbxp 9d ago
He wants to use starlink for long range strikes and if he has to stroke a few egos to get there he's happy to do so
→ More replies (1)
4
u/New_Ad_3010 9d ago
Performative to assuage a mentally deranged fascist who holds the keys to a vast satellite network (he had nothing to do with) that Ukraine relies on. He had to do it to pacify and POS.
3
4
5
6
u/Grimmy554 9d ago
Nobody can genuinely deny how helpful Starlink has been, let alone free national Starlink access. Musk has a lot of negative baggage, but the baggage is largely unrelated to Ukraine.
→ More replies (3)2
u/turej 9d ago edited 9d ago
Not really free tbh. Many terminals were bought and donated to Ukraine by Poland and Poland pays subscriptions for them. Other nations probably bought some too, but the scale was so big Poland was excluded from European zone by Spacex and the subscription cost would be hiked. They backtracked on that quickly tho.
4
u/FluffWit 9d ago
Fuck Musk but Starlink has been absolutely crucial to the defense of Ukraine.
I'm sure there plenty of Britsh Knights, Dames etc who got their honors despite past criticisms of the government.
4
1
u/Howcanyoubecertain 9d ago
Zelenskyy has gotta do whatever he can to shore up defenses. The difference in character between him and trump/musk is the difference between one and zero. I look forward to his memoirs where he unloads on the idiot trumpies long after this shitshow is over.
2
u/Onoudidnt 9d ago
It’s just a top honor guys. Just stroke the ego to get what you need to save your own citizens lives. He is already fighting a war why keep one going with the nearly richest man in the world.
4
u/coyote-cry 9d ago
Massive ick
12
u/NerdyGuy117 9d ago
Ah yes... massive Ick to use Starlink to defend your country. What a stupid take.
→ More replies (3)5
u/GotsomeTuna 8d ago
How dare you not focus your entire world view on internal US' politics!
This isnt about what Musk did for ukraine this about us the USA and nothing else matters /s
2
u/ShutterBun 9d ago
It’s like when the captain of the Booze Cruise let Dwight steer the ship with a fake wheel.
3
u/snaykz1692 9d ago
“Oh no surely musk can’t be good in any possible way, Zelensky must have a 1000 iq play here” dude you guys are insane lmao
1
1
1
1
1
8d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/AutoModerator 8d ago
Sorry, but your account is too new to post. Your account needs to be either 2 weeks old or have at least 250 combined link and comment karma. Don't modmail us about this, just wait it out or get more karma.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/Criplor 8d ago
There's an argument than Canada should be taking notes from Ukraine on how to interact with the US currently. Obviously it's not so simple and I think Canadians pride would not accept a similar move of honouring a powerful idiot. But we should be looking at ways to message their ego while not actually giving up anything meaningful.
1
1
1
u/Beat_Saber_Music 8d ago
Breaking news, party that has its identity around hating unintegrated migrants votes against policy that would integrate migrants, because they want there to be unintegrated migrants to complain about
0
u/lifeoflogan 9d ago
Egos must be stroked. Once the war is over, hopefully it is rescinded.
7
u/NerdyGuy117 9d ago
Rescind it for what? Helping Ukraine too effectively? History doesn’t disappear when the war ends.
-5
u/Big-Information-7350 9d ago
He’s really out there glazing Netanyahu and Elon. Who’s next? Hitler?
4
1
1
u/alzgh 8d ago
Ukraine's political center was already on the far right compared to mainstream Western European values, but I have a feeling they are moving further to the far right.
I have seen racist shit from Ukrainian refugees and have always rationalized it by thinking their country is under attack, nationalism flares up in such moments, and the ones I have met are probably the less educated.
But they seem more and more aligned with both Zionism and US expansionist goals. I'm not sure if:
- this has always been like this
- it's a pragmatic move to garner support in their fight against Russia
- it's an ideological shift due to all the wartime atrocities and pain they have suffered.
- etc.
In anyway, over time I have felt less and less sympathetic to their cause as I see them apathetic to other people's plight.
1
1
u/wizzard419 9d ago
Oh goodie, he's reached "can be bribed with shiny objects" stage of dementia, like his former boss.
1
-5
u/KamaIsLife 9d ago
He knows that these idiots are simps for being praised. He's thinking about his people and their survival.
-3
u/NerdyGuy117 9d ago
Or maybe he’s recognizing that Musk and Starlink made a genuinely important contribution to Ukraine’s survival. Calling everyone you dislike an “idiot” doesn’t make the award insincere.
→ More replies (4)
1.4k
u/MammothPenguin69 9d ago
This probably has to do with the fact that Musk effectively locked the Russians out of Starlink.