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.
71 Articles
71 Articles
The Ukrainians are pressing, while at the same time the head of SpaceX seems negative and the White House is not making a decision - Musk's meeting with Fedorov did not go well, Ukrainian sources say
Access to SpaceX's communications satellites gives Ukraine a decisive advantage in the war with Russia. How much longer?
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…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
