Moscow views SpaceX’s Starlink as a grave threat, and Ukraine is seeking Trump’s help to get permission to use it for hitting targets inside Russia

Moscow perceives SpaceX's Starlink as a significant threat, leading Ukraine to seek assistance from former U.S. President Donald Trump in obtaining permission to utilize the satellite communications system for targeting inside Russia. This request comes as Ukraine looks for alternative solutions to reduce its reliance on U.S. Patriot air defense systems, which have become scarce due to the ongoing war against Iran.

During a meeting at the White House, Zelenskyy discussed this matter directly with Trump and also mentioned the need for Starlink to enhance targeting accuracy inside Russia. Although Trump did not commit to granting the licensing request, Ukraine has been advocating for expanded Starlink use for weeks. Although SpaceX has permitted the Ukrainians to employ Starlink within their territory, including in areas occupied by Russian forces, the company has restricted its usage inside Russia.

The possibility of expanding Starlink use could pose risks for SpaceX, as intelligence sources suggest Russia may develop an anti-satellite weapon to target the Starlink constellation. Despite this potential threat, Starlink has been instrumental for Ukraine in maintaining its survival against Russia's full-scale invasion, which commenced in February 2022.