Kyiv seeks Musk's permission to use Starlink for strikes on Russia

Ukraine is seeking a way to obtain Elon Musk's permission to use the Starlink satellite communications service for drone strikes on Russian territory up to 200 kilometers deep. Such a step would help Kyiv respond more effectively to Russian attacks at a time when Ukraine lacks missiles for American-made Patriot air defense systems.

According to people who took part in recent talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House, Zelensky asked Trump to raise the matter with Musk. Kyiv reportedly hoped that limiting the depth of strikes could make Musk more receptive to the request. However, Trump made no firm commitments during the talks and did not appear to support the plan.

Communication with Musk has grown harder

Sources say they believe Musk will not grant Ukraine such permission. The situation has also been complicated by the fact that it has become harder for Ukrainian officials to reach Musk since the dismissal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had close personal ties with the billionaire.

Fedorov's involvement was previously key to persuading Musk to cut off Starlink service to Russian forces, a move that this spring helped halt a Russian army offensive.

Still, since the start of the full-scale war, Musk has consistently opposed using his satellite network for strikes on Russian territory, citing concerns that it could raise the risk of nuclear escalation. In early August, Fedorov acknowledged he had failed to convince Musk to allow Starlink to be used for attacks on Russia.