Zelensky Pushes Musk to Allow Starlink Coverage Over Russia, Says It Could Weaken Moscow's Ability to "Drag Out the War"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Elon Musk may reconsider his opposition to Ukraine's use of SpaceX's Starlink on Russian territory, despite the billionaire viewing the move as an escalation, according to the Kyiv Independent.

Musk Weighs Starlink Use in Russia

"So far, he has said this constitutes an escalation," Zelensky told reporters on Saturday, according to the Kyiv Independent. "However, once he sees further arguments, he may change his mind."

Zelensky said expanding coverage could weaken "the capabilities Russia is relying on to drag out the war." Kyiv hopes Starlink-supported drones can maintain reliable links during strikes on Russian military targets.

The Associated Press reported earlier this month that Zelensky asked President Donald Trump to help win Musk's permission. Senator Mike Rounds said Ukraine wants Starlink access so its long-range systems can be "more precise." 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 within Ukraine through a whitelist system. Reuters reported that Russian troops subsequently faced widespread communication issues, while Ukraine continued using tens of thousands of Starlink connections for battlefield communications and certain attack drones.

Musk later expanded Starlink's permitted use in Ukraine, with a source saying SpaceX's directive was "no limits. Unleash the reins; use Starlink for anything that helps Ukraine." SpaceX was contacted for comment on Zelensky's remarks but did not immediately respond.

Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov recently praised SpaceX for protecting Ukraine's air defense systems and saving civilian lives. Musk responded, "Trying to do the right thing. I hope for peace soon."

However, Musk has resisted extending coverage to Russia. Zelensky said an early misunderstanding complicated negotiations when Ukraine's Defense Ministry told him SpaceX had approved such use. Zelensky raised the matter with Trump, only to find Musk had not agreed.

"He said I allegedly deceived him," Zelensky recalled. Musk viewed the proposed expansion as a dangerous escalation, Zelensky said.

Zelensky said Kyiv and Trump administration officials continue engaging with Musk and are receiving "different, more encouraging feedback."

Russia Builds Its Own Starlink Rival

Meanwhile, Russia has accelerated construction of its Starlink-like Rassvet satellite network. Rassvet currently has 16 satellites, with Moscow targeting 292 by 2027 and 924 by 2035. Ukrainian intelligence said a full constellation could eventually operate like Starlink.

"I see this as yet another challenge," Zelensky said.