Ukraine is seeking Elon Musk’s approval to use Starlink-equipped drones against Russian ballistic missile launchers deep inside Russia, according to a Financial Times report.
.webp "Ukraine War Latest: Zelenskyy Seeks Elon Musk’s Help to Target Russian Missile Launchers")
The request comes as Ukraine faces a serious shortage of Patriot air-defence interceptors following an intensifying wave of Russian missile and drone attacks.
Kyiv reportedly wants to use the satellite connection on its drones to maintain communications while targeting Russian missile launchers, command posts and logistics sites up to 200 kilometres inside Russian territory.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is said to have asked U.S. President Donald Trump during a July meeting to help secure Musk’s approval. Trump was reportedly non-committal.
Musk has yet to approve the request, and his position could prove crucial because Starlink connectivity has played an important role in Ukraine’s military communications since Russia’s invasion.
The request comes after a series of deadly Russian strikes, including a major bombardment of Kyiv that killed at least 16 people and exposed Ukraine’s difficulties intercepting ballistic missiles.
For Kyiv, striking missile systems before they can launch could help reduce the pressure on its increasingly stretched air defences. However, the proposal remains uncertain as Ukraine awaits Musk’s decision.