American entrepreneur Elon Musk has refused Ukraine's request to allow the Starlink satellite communication system provided by SpaceX for deep strikes inside Russia, according to a report by The Atlantic citing sources.
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has continued behind the scenes attempts to obtain the businessman's approval following his dismissal. A source close to Fedorov said that there is currently no positive decision.
A source cited by the publication said Musk repeatedly states that it is time to conclude a deal. Musk has also argued with Ukrainian representatives about the risks of further escalating the conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting to influence Musk to allow access to his satellites. The U.S. leader did not give a definitive answer to the request.
Negotiations over satellite access
Fedorov confirmed that he is holding talks with Musk regarding the use of Starlink for deep strikes into Russian territory. Speaking on a podcast to his former deputy Serhiy Sternenko, Fedorov said the two last spoke several days ago.
Fedorov described reaching the required outcome as a complex task. He declined to reveal specific details of the talks but said he was doing everything possible to achieve a result.
Musk also refused to meet with Zelenskyy in Washington. Zelenskyy met with Trump behind closed doors at the White House for about an hour on July 28, calling the meeting good.
During that visit, Zelenskyy outlined a plan to help Ukraine survive another winter in the conflict. Zelenskyy told Trump that securing Musk's support was necessary for the plan to work, but Trump remained evasive, leaving the future of the plan in doubt.
Russian reaction to Starlink use
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the United States of direct involvement in guiding Ukrainian weapons toward targets inside Russia. Lavrov said U.S. intelligence provision through Starlink and European Union funded weapons supplies mean American forces are directly participating in targeting Ukrainian weapons at goals, including civilian targets, on Russian territory.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged Musk to withdraw Starlink to prevent further deaths. Zakharova made the comment following statements by Musk expressing irritation with diplomats discussing troop withdrawals over expensive seven course dinners.
