Zelensky asks Trump to urge Musk for broader Starlink use in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly asked former U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene with Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, in a closed‑door Oval Office meeting during Zelensky’s visit to Washington, D.C. The request came as Zelensky was attending the memorial service for Senator Lindsey Graham (R‑SC) and sought U.S. support for allowing Ukraine to use the Starlink satellite‑internet system in drone strikes against Russian forces.

Zelensky’s appeal centers on Starlink’s high‑speed, low‑latency connectivity, which could give Ukrainian military drones enhanced command and control capabilities. Musk has previously expressed concerns about the system’s use in armed conflict, citing potential risks to civilian infrastructure and the need for regulatory oversight. The meeting, which was not publicly disclosed until the news emerged, highlighted the urgency felt by Kyiv in securing advanced technological tools amid ongoing hostilities.

If the request is successful, Ukraine could gain a strategic advantage by integrating Starlink into its aerial operations, potentially improving the precision and reach of its drone campaigns. The outcome will depend on Musk’s willingness to modify policy and on the U.S. administration’s assessment of the broader security implications.