Zelensky seeks Musk's permission for Ukraine to use Starlink to guide drones on Russian territory
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a closed-door meeting with US President Donald Trump on July 28, asked him to facilitate the expansion of Ukraine's use of the Starlink satellite system. This was reported by The Atlantic magazine, citing three American officials.
Zelensky wanted American entrepreneur Elon Musk to allow Starlink to be used for guiding Ukrainian drones in strikes on targets on Russian territory. Currently, Starlink's use by Ukraine is limited, and SpaceX does not allow the system to operate on Russian territory.
For long-range strikes on Russia, Ukraine uses other methods for guiding drones, including onboard computers with navigation systems based on artificial intelligence. These allow them to attack large objects, such as oil refineries and warehouses. However, for small and mobile targets, this method is less reliable.
According to The Atlantic, Zelensky explained to Trump that Ukraine needs more precise means to combat mobile Russian missile launchers, including ballistic missile launchers which Russia uses to shell Ukraine.
During his trip to the US, Zelensky also wanted to personally meet with Musk and discuss this plan with him. However, according to one of the publication's sources, Musk refused the meeting.
The Ukrainian president believes that the expansion of Starlink's use could partially become an alternative to the supply of additional interceptor missiles for American Patriot air defense systems.
Trump promised to consider Zelensky's request and stated that he would talk to Musk. However, the American president has not yet announced whether he will support this initiative or when this conversation might take place.
According to a source from The Atlantic, Trump's decision may depend on whether the expansion of Starlink's use helps to end the war faster. If the American president believes that this could force Vladimir Putin to enter negotiations, he may support the proposal. If he does not see such a prospect, he will likely refuse.
On July 28, Zelensky visited Washington and met with Trump at the White House. The conversation took place behind closed doors and lasted just over an hour. After the meeting, Zelensky stated that the parties discussed, in particular, licenses for the production of interceptor missiles for Patriot, as well as other proposals and opportunities to intensify diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Trump also stated after the meeting that the conversation with the Ukrainian president went well, but did not disclose details of the discussion.
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