SpaceX CEO Elon Musk remains opposed to enabling Starlink for Ukrainian strikes inside Russia, despite reports that his position had softened, the Kyiv Independent reported, citing three people familiar with the discussions.
Ukraine wants Starlink coverage extended over Russian territory so satellite-connected drones could attack military targets, including launch sites for Russian Iskander and North Korean ballistic missiles.
However, Kyiv has yet to receive authorization. Starlink terminals used by Ukrainian forces reportedly operate in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine but remain disabled over Russia.
One source told the Ukrainian news outlet that Musk does not believe enabling such operations would help end the war, considers them a potential escalation, and views it as a political decision requiring White House approval.
According to the Financial Times, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked US President Donald Trump during their July White House meeting to seek Musk’s approval for Starlink-supported drone strikes inside Russia.
Trump reportedly did not commit to the request, while people present at the meeting said they doubted Musk would approve it.
Operational Use of Starlink
According to the Kyiv Independent, Starlink provides satellite communications between Ukrainian combat positions, drones, and command centers.
When installed on unmanned aircraft, the terminals allow operators to maintain connections over longer distances without relying on conventional radio links, which are more vulnerable to range limitations and electronic interference.
Ukraine has used Starlink-connected drones against Russian forces and logistics routes in occupied territory at ranges of up to 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the front.
Russia and Starlink
Russia has sought both to disrupt Ukraine’s Starlink connections and obtain terminals for its own forces.
Last month, a Russian developer unveiled the ground-based Volna Kupol Grant electronic warfare system.
It is designed to direct high-frequency interference toward Starlink satellites, preventing them from receiving signals from terminals within the system’s operating area.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have reportedly obtained Starlink equipment despite export restrictions.
An investigation by The Insider and Siena found that terminals and related components were shipped from Lithuania via intermediary companies and were falsely declared as cargo.
Earlier this year, Russian personnel also reportedly offered Ukrainians money to activate Starlink terminals on their behalf, seeking to bypass service restrictions.