Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, continues to oppose allowing Ukraine to use Starlink for attacks on Russian territory, denying a Financial Times report from August 30 that stated Musk would be open to the possibility. Sources close to the businessman ensure that his position remains one of opposition, adding that Musk does not believe that authorizing the use of Starlink for operations on Russian territory helps end the war, wanting an agreement and not an escalation.
The businessman held conversations with former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov that were reportedly "extremely unsuccessful," reinforcing his conviction not to grant the permission. SpaceX representatives indicated that the decision should rest with the Trump administration, but the White House reportedly signaled that the final responsibility would rest with the company itself.
Starlink has been fundamental for communications and drone operations of Ukrainian forces since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022. SpaceX allows use in Ukraine, including occupied areas like Crimea, but restricts operation on Russian territory. Ukraine has been pressing to expand use in long-range drones, up to about 200 km inside Russia, and President Zelensky even asked Trump to intercede with Musk, without success so far.
Musk was awarded the Order of Freedom by Zelensky for his support to Ukrainian communications. In 2022, he had already refused to activate Starlink for an operation near Crimea, fearing a Russian nuclear response, and has publicly advocated for a pragmatic peace agreement, considering the recovery of territories occupied by Russia to be unrealistic.
