Ukraine Asks Trump to Help Secure Starlink Access for Russia Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged former President Donald Trump and other American officials to help Ukraine gain permission from tech mogul Elon Musk to use his Starlink satellite system for guiding strikes inside Russia. This request comes as Ukraine seeks alternative strategies to mitigate reliance on U.S. Patriot air defense systems, which are facing supply shortages due to ongoing conflicts.

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He also told lawmakers later on Capitol Hill that he wanted Starlink to help with targeting inside Russia.

Zelenskyy directly presented his request to Trump during a meeting at the White House this week, according to sources familiar with the matter. He also discussed the need for Starlink to aid in targeting within Russia with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Both individuals spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive private conversations. Trump has not yet committed to fulfilling Zelenskyy's request.

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Musk has allowed the Ukrainians to use Starlink inside their own territory, including in Ukrainian regions occupied by the Russians, but has restricted use of the satellite system inside Russia.

While Musk has permitted the use of Starlink within Ukrainian territory, including Russian-occupied areas, he has prohibited its use for strikes inside Russia. Zelenskyy has been advocating for this expanded use with U.S. officials for several weeks. Representatives from the White House, the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, and SpaceX, the owner of Starlink, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Granting permission for an expanded use of Starlink could come with risk for Musk.

The potential expansion of Starlink's use carries risks for Musk. Intelligence reports from two NATO nations suggest Russia may be developing an anti-satellite weapon capable of targeting the Starlink constellation. Russia reportedly views Starlink as a significant threat, despite the system's crucial role in Ukraine's defense since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Zelenskyy's visit to Washington also included attending a memorial service and meeting with allies on Capitol Hill.

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Russia views Starlink as a grave threat.