Elon Musk will not let Ukraine use Starlink over Russia, expert says
It remains very unlikely that Elon Musk will reverse course and enable Ukraine to use Starlink to coordinate drone strikes over Russian territory, former Ukrainian MP and military expert Ihor Lutsenko told NV Radio on Aug. 11.
Former Ukrainian MP and military expert Ihor Lutsenko stated on Aug. 11 that it is highly unlikely Elon Musk will permit Ukraine to use Starlink technology to target Russian territory. Lutsenko explained that such a move would effectively involve SpaceX in the conflict, which the company and Musk wish to avoid. He also noted that allowing Ukraine to operate Starlink on Russian soil would be a political impossibility.
The only potential scenario, according to Lutsenko, would involve a U.S. president with "ultra-loyal" support for Ukraine and Musk agreeing to assume the legal and military risks for SpaceX. Even then, the role would be limited to reconnaissance and not strikes. Lutsenko dismissed the idea as "fantasy," noting that Musk has already declined Ukraine's request for access to Starlink for striking purposes from Russia.
This conclusion aligns with a report in The Atlantic from Aug. 8, which cited sources close to former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, suggesting Musk's initial refusal to allow Ukraine access to Starlink for targeting Russian positions. Despite initial efforts, including unofficial contacts with Musk and negotiations between Fedorov and Musk, no agreement has been reached as of Aug. 7.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
