Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Elon Musk could reconsider his opposition to allowing Ukraine to use Space Exploration Technologies Corp.’s (NASDAQ:SPCX) Starlink over Russian territory, even though the billionaire views the move as an escalation, according to the Kyiv Independent.
Musk Weighs Starlink Use Over Russia
“So far, (Elon Musk) has said that this constitutes an escalation,” Zelensky told reporters on Saturday, according to a report by the Kyiv Independent. “However, he may change his mind once he sees further arguments.”
Zelensky said expanded coverage could weaken “precisely those capabilities that Russia is relying on to drag out the war.” Kyiv wants Starlink-enabled drones to maintain reliable links during strikes against Russian military sites.
The Associated Press reported earlier this month that Zelensky asked President Donald Trump to help win Musk’s permission. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said Ukraine wants Starlink access so its longer-range systems can be “more accurate.” Trump did not commit to the request.
Ukraine Pushes For Expanded Battlefield Access
The push follows a major reversal in Starlink’s battlefield role this year. In February, Ukraine and SpaceX blocked unauthorized terminals used by Russian forces inside Ukraine through a whitelist system. Reuters reported widespread communications problems among Russian units afterward, while Ukraine continues to use tens of thousands of Starlink connections for battlefield communications and some attack drones.
Musk later broadened Starlink’s permitted Ukrainian use, with a person familiar with the move saying SpaceX’s instruction was, “No limits. Take off the gloves; use Starlink for anything to help Ukraine.”
Benzinga reached out to SpaceX for a statement on Zelensky’s comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov recently credited SpaceX with protecting Ukrainian air defenses and saving civilian lives. Musk responded, “Trying to do the right thing. I hope there is peace soon.”
Still, Musk has resisted extending coverage into Russia. Zelensky said an earlier misunderstanding complicated talks after Ukraine’s Defense Ministry told him SpaceX had approved such use. Zelensky raised it with Trump, only to learn Musk had not agreed.
“He said that I had supposedly deceived him,” Zelensky recalled. Musk considered the proposed expansion a dangerous escalation, Zelensky said.
Zelensky said Kyiv and Trump administration officials continue engaging Musk and are receiving “different, more encouraging feedback.”
Russia Builds Its Own Starlink Rival
Meanwhile, Russia has accelerated its Starlink-like Rassvet satellite network. Rassvet currently has 16 satellites, with Moscow targeting 292 by 2027 and 924 by 2035. Ukrainian intelligence says a completed constellation could eventually operate “like Starlink.”
“I treat this as just another challenge,” Zelensky said.
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