Ukraine and Russia seeking Starlink alternatives, says Zelensky

Ukraine and Russia are both working on their own alternatives to Starlink, the satellite communications system controlled by Elon Musk, according to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. Musk restricted Russian access to Starlink satellites during the Ukraine war last year, which experts believe has impacted Russian tactical command and offensive capacity.

The Russians are collaborating with China on a Starlink equivalent, aiming to have it operational by December 2026. Meanwhile, Ukraine is developing a similar project in partnership with a European nation and is already testing it. President Zelensky stated that Ukraine is seeking authorization from Musk and the US administration to use Starlink satellites in Russian territory.

Musk's position on Ukraine has fluctuated since the invasion in 2022; he initially opposed allowing Starlink coverage over Russia, arguing it would escalate tensions, but Ukraine contends it could help shorten the conflict. By targeting Russian ballistic launchers, Ukraine aims to counter Russia's increased use of these missiles, which are primarily countered by US-designed Patriot systems.

In 2023, Ukraine received 675 Patriot missiles, a significant increase from 364 in 2025 and 264 in 2026.