Musk refuses to allow Starlink use for strikes inside Russia
Elon Musk (Photo: REUTERS/Manuel Orbegozo)
Despite repeated requests from former
and current Ukrainian officials, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk remains opposed to enabling
Starlink satellites to be used for drone strikes on Russian territory, The Kyiv
Independent reported
on Aug. 31, citing sources.
On Aug. 30, the Financial Times, citing sources, reported that Musk told former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov that he was “not opposed” to allowing Ukraine to use drones equipped with Starlink to strike targets inside Russia. However, the final decision would rest with the White House, according to the report.
Sources told The Kyiv Independent that Musk’s position has not changed. They said he does not believe allowing Starlink to be used for operations inside Russia would help end the war.
“Musk wants a deal to end this war, not its escalation,” one source said.
The sources also said Musk’s discussions with Fedorov on the issue were “extremely unsuccessful.” After the talks, the SpaceX CEO made a final decision not to authorize Ukraine to use Starlink for such operations, they said.
Following the talks with Fedorov, Musk’s aides said the decision on whether to use Starlink-equipped drones for strikes inside Russia should be made by the Donald Trump administration. However, a Ukrainian official told the publication that the White House said the decision should be made by SpaceX.
On Aug. 21, the Financial Times, citing sources,
reported that Ukraine was seeking Musk’s permission to use Starlink-equipped
attack drones to strike Russian missile launchers located up to 200 kilometers inside
Russia.
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