Zelensky asks Trump to press Musk for expanded Starlink access in war against Russia: Report

WASHINGTON, DC: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly asked President Donald Trump to help convince Elon Musk to expand Ukraine's access to Starlink satellite internet for use in drone strikes against Russia during a private Oval Office meeting.

The request was made during Zelensky's visit to Washington to attend Sen Lindsey Graham's memorial service, according to reports by 'The Atlantic'.

Zelensky also raised the issue with members of Congress, arguing that broader Starlink access would improve the accuracy of Ukraine's long-range and intermediate-range drone systems as the war with Russia enters its fifth year.

Kyiv seeks expanded Starlink access

Sen Mike Rounds said Ukrainian officials stressed the need for long-term Starlink access to improve battlefield capabilities.

"They need access to Starlink long term to make their longer-range and intermediate-range systems more accurate," Rounds said.

Owned by Elon Musk, Starlink provides satellite-based internet connectivity even in areas where conventional communications infrastructure has been damaged or disrupted by war.

While Musk has allowed Ukraine to use the service throughout the country and in some Russian-occupied territories, he barred Russia from accessing Starlink in 2023 after saying such use was unauthorized.

Alternative to Patriot missiles

Ukraine is reportedly seeking expanded Starlink capabilities as an alternative to relying heavily on US-made Patriot air defense systems.

Although Trump has approved Ukrainian production of interceptor missiles, Zelensky has said it could take years for domestic manufacturing to match current US output.

During his Washington visit, Zelensky said he met executives from defense contractors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin to discuss modifying Ukrainian ballistic missiles into Patriot-style interceptors.

According to The Atlantic, Trump is likely to approve the Starlink request only if he believes it could help bring the war closer to an end.

The reports come as senior Trump advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to visit Ukraine for peace talks, according to a Ukrainian official.

Both have faced criticism from some observers, who argue they have been too accommodating toward Russian President Vladimir Putin during previous diplomatic efforts.