Exclusive: Musk Opposes Allowing Ukraine to Use Starlink for Strikes on Russia, Despite Recent Media Reports, Sources Say
- Starlink internet terminals from SpaceX have become the operational backbone of Ukraine's drone missions, as forces began regularly equipping mid-range strike drones with terminals in recent months to maintain live video feeds.
- Unlike conventional radio systems where feeds are often lost, Starlink allows operators to maintain live video connections until impact; operator Jura said, "Starlink gives you the possibility not to study radio physics."
- Perennial Autonomy's Hornet drones, supported by AI-powered software from Palantir, achieved a confirmed strike rate of at least 60%, with sources estimating roughly $60 worth of Russian assets destroyed for every $1 of drones deployed.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought permission from SpaceX head Elon Musk to extend Starlink usage for strikes inside Russia, but Musk stated authorization remains a political decision requiring White House approval.
- Dependence on Starlink is growing, though analyst Gustav Gressel warned Ukraine's operational advantage could shrink by 2027 as Russia develops Rassvet, its own satellite communication system, to counter these capabilities.
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SpaceX CEO Elon Musk continues to oppose allowing Ukraine to use Starlink for attacks on Russian territory, despite recent news from the media suggesting otherwise, Kyiv Independent advances.
American entrepreneur Elon Musk reportedly admitted, in a conversation with former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, to using Starlink satellite communication technology to direct strikes by Ukrainian drones against Russian territory, the Financial Times newspaper reported, quoted by Focus. Earlier, the same publication, citing sources, reported that, amid a serious shortage of air defense funds, Volodymyr Zelensky is trying to obtain …
The American initiative by Ilon Mask made it clear that he was prepared to consider granting Ukraine permission to use the Starlink satellite network to attack deep into Russia, but noted that the final decision behind the White House was written Monday by The Financial Times with reference to sources. "Mask had previously stated (the ex-Minister of Defence of Ukraine - IF) Fedorov that he was open to allowing Ukraine to use Starlink drones outs…
Exclusive: Musk opposes allowing Ukraine to use Starlink for strikes on Russia, despite recent media reports, sources say
The Financial Times reported on Aug. 30 that Elon Musk was open to Ukraine using Starlink-equipped drones to strike targets in Russia, but said the decision would ultimately be a political one requiring approval from the White House.
Elon Musk could play a crucial role in the conflict in Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, the contractor would be willing to allow the use of his Starlink network to pilot Ukrainian drones targeting Ukrainian...
Billiard Ilon Mask is ready to allow Ukraine to use drones equipped with Starlink outside its territory to attack Russian targets, which, according to the sources of the Financial Times, he stated in a conversation with former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mikhail Fedorov.
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