Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly requested former President Donald Trump’s assistance in persuading Elon Musk to allow expanded use of Starlink satellite internet for Ukraine’s drone strikes against Russia. The appeal occurred during Zelensky’s visit to the United States to attend Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-S.C.) memorial service, where he met Trump in a closed-door meeting in the Oval Office, according to reports by the Associated Press and The Atlantic.

Zelensky also made similar requests to Congressional lawmakers to widen Ukraine’s access to Starlink. A senator noted, “They need access to Starlink long term to make their longer-range and intermediate-range systems more accurate.” Starlink, controlled by Musk, provides satellite-based internet access that functions even in harsh weather conditions where traditional networks may fail.

So far, Musk has permitted Ukraine to use Starlink within the country and some Russian-occupied territories such as Crimea for strikes against Russia. Musk banned Russia’s use of Starlink in February, calling it “unauthorized.” Ukraine views expanded Starlink access as an alternative to relying solely on U.S. Patriot missiles, following Zelensky’s emergency request for the weaponry in a winter aid package.

During his visit, Zelensky said he met with defense contractors to restructure Ukrainian-made ballistic missiles to function as Patriot interceptors after discussions with representatives from Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

With the conflict between Ukraine and Russia entering its fifth year, an official told The Atlantic that Trump is likely to approve Zelensky’s Starlink request only if he believes it would help end the war.

Sources