Zelensky argued that broader access to Starlink would let Ukraine hit mobile launchers of ballistic missiles that Russia uses to shell Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Kyiv's plan, he said, would destroy launchers before missiles are fired and reduce dependence on scarce Patriot interceptors.
Denys Shtilerman, chief designer of the Ukrainian company Fire Point, explained the idea: "Instead of shooting down arrows, we would strike the archers." Ukraine already uses Starlink to create a kill zone along the front line, he said, and permission to use the system inside Russia would allow "expanding the kill zone to 500 km" — and, if necessary, to Siberia.
Musk has previously opposed using Starlink for military purposes, stressing the system was designed for peaceful use. The Atlantic notes, however, that his position can hardly be called consistent: in 2022 he turned down Ukraine's request to use the system for attacks on Russian ships in Crimea, but in early 2026 he disabled the ability of the Russian military to use Starlink terminals to control drones on Ukrainian territory.
During his visit to the US, Zelensky also asked for a meeting with Musk, but the businessman refused. In Kyiv, the closest ties to Musk were held by recently departed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov — it was he who lobbied for the disconnection of terminals for Russian troops. A source close to Fedorov said that weeks before his dismissal, Fedorov was persuading Musk to allow Starlink use for strikes on internationally recognized Russian territory, and Musk assured him this would be possible "if Trump gives the corresponding order."
Trump promised to consider Zelensky's request and hold a conversation with Musk, but gave no timeline and no clear answer. An unnamed Ukrainian official attributed the US administration's caution to the fact that using American technology on Russian territory to destroy air-defense systems or launchers is an "unfriendly step," and Russia's reaction is unknown.
Ukraine currently uses less reliable methods to guide long-range drones, including onboard computers with AI-based navigation. This works for strikes on large targets such as oil refineries and warehouses, but not for hitting small mobile targets like launchers.
Sources differ: The Atlantic says Zelensky made the request on Tuesday, July 28, while Deutsche Welle says the conversation took place during closed talks on July 28. The Atlantic also notes Musk's position is "inconsistent," while Deutsche Welle in its article merely states that the businessman "previously opposed" using Starlink for attacks.