Zelensky's plan is ready — now everyone is waiting for Elon Musk

Ukraine is asking Elon Musk to allow the use of Starlink on attack drones deep into Russia, amid a shortage of Patriot interceptors and intensifying Russian attacks. Zelensky raised the request in a meeting with Trump, but Trump remained reserved. Musk has previously set a red line against proactive strikes on Russian territory.

Ukraine is asking Elon Musk to allow the use of Starlink systems on domestically produced attack drones, aiming to strike ballistic missile launchers deep inside Russia. The request comes amid a growing shortage of Patriot interceptors, the only system proven effective against Russian ballistic missiles. Zelensky raised the request in a meeting with Trump at the White House in July, asking him to persuade Musk. Trump remained reserved, and those present expressed doubt that Musk would comply. Musk has so far supported Ukrainian use of Starlink for communication and defense needs but has set a red line against proactive strikes on Russian territory. In 2022, he cut off access for Ukrainian forces during an operation in the Crimean Peninsula over fears of nuclear escalation. In February, Musk blocked unauthorized Russian use of Starlink. Now, Ukraine's main point of contact with Musk, Mykhailo Fedorov, was fired last month as part of a government reshuffle, complicating negotiations.