Zelenskyy Asks Trump to Allow Starlink Use for Drone Strikes Inside Russia
The request puts Trump's decision on Starlink access at the center of whether Ukraine can strike mobile Russian targets, with his choice hinging on whether it speeds the war's end.
Reporting from 1 source: GIGAZINE.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked U.S. President Donald Trump on July 28 to permit Starlink use for drone attacks inside Russia, according to The Atlantic. Trump said he would consider the request. Starlink is restricted inside Russia, so Ukrainian long-range drones rely on less reliable AI navigation, which limits precision against mobile targets like missile units.
Zelenskyy made the request during a White House meeting that also covered Patriot missile defense systems and diplomatic efforts to end the war. Several anonymous officials confirmed the request was factual.
Musk made Starlink available in Ukraine after the invasion began but has resisted military use. He previously ordered the network around Crimea shut down to block an attack on Russian warships.
Trump said he would consider the request but gave no timeline for discussing it with Musk or reaching a decision. One official said Trump's answer will depend on whether allowing Starlink pushes Russia toward a negotiated settlement or worsens the situation.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.