Musk refuses to allow Ukraine to use Starlink for strikes in Russia

Elon Musk has rejected repeated requests from Ukraine to enable the use of Starlink satellite internet for offensive operations targeting Russia. The decision comes despite direct appeals from Kyiv, including one reportedly made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to then-US President Donald Trump, urging intervention to lift geographical restrictions on the Starlink network.

Zelenskyy's aim was to utilize the satellite system for long-range strikes against Russian missile batteries, which have been consistently bombarding Ukrainian cities. However, reports suggest Trump did not provide a clear commitment on whether he would support the proposal or pressure Musk.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's former Minister of Digital Transformation, also attempted to persuade the billionaire. Close associates of Fedorov told The Atlantic that he has been using unofficial channels to contact Musk since resigning from his post. Despite these efforts, Musk remains hesitant, reportedly citing concerns about escalation risks if Starlink were used for deep strikes into Russian territory.

According to an associate, Musk has consistently told Ukrainian officials that "it is time to reach an agreement" to end the war, indicating his desire for a diplomatic resolution rather than further military escalation facilitated by his technology.

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it is time to reach an agreement