Zelensky reveals Ukraine developing Starlink alternative with Europe as Russia teams up with China

Kyiv, Aug 23 — President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine announced that both his country and Russia are working on their own satellite systems to replace Starlink, the communication tool controlled by Elon Musk. Musk had recently restricted Russian access to Starlink satellites during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Experts believe this has likely weakened Russian forces' tactical command and limited their offensive capabilities.

Zelensky stated that the Russian effort, in partnership with China, aims to have a viable alternative ready by December 2026. Ukraine is also developing a similar system in collaboration with a European nation, and has already begun testing. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that his nation would not remain passive while Russia and China pursue this project.

Ukraine is currently seeking permission from Musk and the US government to utilize Starlink satellites for operations inside Russian territory. Musk's position on Ukraine has fluctuated since the invasion in 2022, with the tech mogul reportedly working with former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was recently dismissed.

Zelensky noted that Musk likely opposed allowing Starlink service over Russia, yet Ukraine contended that such access could hasten the end of the conflict. This could potentially neutralize the very tools Russia employs to prolong the war, according to Zelensky. He also mentioned Ukraine's efforts to target Russian ballistic launchers, as Moscow has increasingly relied on these missiles, which are typically counteracted by U.S.-designed Patriot systems.

Ukraine received 675 Patriot missiles in 2023, but the figure has decreased to 364 in 2025 and 264 in 2026, according to the president. Zelensky explained that when anti-ballistic missiles are minimized, this presents another strategic opportunity to hunt down the locations from which ballistic missiles are launched.