Zelenskyy asks Trump to help secure Musk’s Starlink permission for strikes inside Russia
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked President Donald Trump during an Oval Office meeting this week to help secure Elon Musk’s permission to use Starlink for guiding strikes inside Russia. Trump did not commit to the request, according to people familiar with the matter. The pitch comes as Kyiv seeks alternatives to U.S. Patriot air defense systems, whose supply has been strained by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The Oval Office Pitch
Zelenskyy made the request directly to Trump during a meeting this week, according to one person familiar with the matter. He also raised the issue with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, a person in the room said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity. Trump did not commit to seeking Musk’s approval.
Starlink Restrictions and Risks
Elon Musk has permitted Starlink use inside Ukraine, including Russian-occupied regions, but has blocked its use for strikes within Russia. Granting expanded permission could expose SpaceX to Russian retaliation. The Associated Press reported in December that two NATO intelligence services suspect Russia is developing an anti-satellite weapon designed to target Starlink’s constellation with shrapnel. Russia views Starlink as a grave threat.
Pressure for Patriot Alternatives
Zelenskyy’s request for expanded Starlink use is part of a broader search for alternatives to U.S. Patriot air defense systems. Their supply has been strained by the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, and Trump on Friday appeared to back away from a recent commitment to provide Ukraine a license to produce the interceptors. Zelenskyy has been pushing for the Starlink expansion for at least several weeks.
What's Next
The White House, the Ukrainian Embassy, and SpaceX did not immediately respond to requests for comment. It remains unclear whether Musk will authorize strikes inside Russia, given the risk of escalation.
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Zelenskyy asks Trump to help secure Musk’s Starlink permission for strikes inside Russia
