Zelenskyy Seeks Trump’s Backing for Expanded Starlink Access in Ukraine War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged US President Donald Trump to help secure Elon Musk’s approval for expanding the use of Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, to support Ukrainian military strikes inside Russia.

According to reports, Zelenskyy raised the issue during a meeting with Trump at the White House this week and later discussed it with US lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The proposal aims to allow Ukrainian forces to use Starlink for more precise targeting of military objectives beyond Ukraine’s borders. Trump, however, did not commit to backing the request.

Starlink has played a critical role in Ukraine’s defence since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, providing reliable battlefield communications even in occupied territories. However, its use has remained restricted for offensive operations inside Russia, reflecting concerns over further escalation of the conflict.

The request comes as Ukraine faces relentless Russian missile and drone attacks while supplies of Patriot air defence interceptors remain under pressure. Zelenskyy has also renewed his appeal for additional Patriot systems and a licensing agreement that would enable Ukraine to manufacture the advanced air defence system domestically. Trump indicated that discussions on such technology transfers are continuing but said no final decision has been made.

US lawmakers familiar with Zelenskyy’s discussions said the Ukrainian leader stressed that broader Starlink access would improve the precision of long-range weapons rather than expand the scale of attacks. Greater accuracy, they argued, could reduce collateral damage while enhancing operational effectiveness.

The issue also highlights the growing strategic importance of commercial satellite technology in modern warfare. Intelligence reports have previously suggested that Russia views Starlink as a significant military threat, while Ukraine continues to deepen defence cooperation with the United States by offering expertise in countering drone warfare and sharing intelligence on growing Russia-Iran military ties. As the conflict evolves, decisions involving satellite communications and advanced defence technology are increasingly shaping the battlefield.