Zelensky Asks Trump to Press Musk on Starlink Approval for Strikes Inside Russia: Report

AP Photo/Ben Curtis

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked President Donald Trump to persuade Elon Musk to allow Ukraine to use Starlink to guide drone strikes inside Russia, according to a report.

The request was made during closed-door talks at the White House this week, where Zelensky argued that expanded access to the SpaceX satellite network would allow Ukrainian forces to target Russia’s mobile ballistic missile launchers before the onset of winter, The Atlantic reported late Thursday, citing U.S. and Ukrainian officials familiar with the discussions.

Trump reportedly told Zelensky he would consider the proposal and speak with Musk, but stopped short of committing to any policy change.

SpaceX currently allows Ukraine to use Starlink on Ukrainian territory, including Russian-occupied regions such as Crimea, but restricts its use inside Russia. Those limitations have forced Ukraine to rely on less precise AI-assisted navigation systems for long-range drone operations across the border.

According to the report, Zelensky told Trump that more accurate targeting would help Ukraine strike Russian missile launchers before they can be used in expected attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure later this year.

The Ukrainian leader also sought a meeting with Musk during his recent visit to the U.S., but the billionaire declined the request, The Atlantic reported, citing a person involved in discussions.

The report said Ukrainian officials also raised the possibility of using SpaceX’s military-focused Starshield network if Musk declines to authorize Starlink for operations inside Russia.

Officials acknowledged, however, that Starshield would be more expensive and more difficult to integrate into Ukraine’s existing drone systems.

Kyiv separately asked Washington for 300 Patriot interceptors to bolster its air defenses. Trump has instead offered Ukraine a license to manufacture the missiles domestically, though production is not expected to reach meaningful levels for several years.

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