Finnish President Stubb asks Elon Musk to expand Starlink coverage for Ukraine so it can strike missile launchers on Russian territory

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has requested Elon Musk to broaden Starlink satellite internet coverage for Ukraine, enabling the country to target missile launchers in Russian territory, according to Reuters. Stubb emphasized that Ukraine is facing growing difficulties in countering Russian assaults as winter looms due to a scarcity of air defense systems.

"I beg Elon Musk to grant Ukraine the opportunity to utilize Starlink in regions with ballistic missile launchers, either within Ukraine's occupied territory or in Russia for strategic reasons, as such assistance could potentially save lives," Stubb stated. Stubb outlined Ukraine's top three priorities ahead of winter: acquiring air defense systems (with Starlink potentially playing a role in this capacity), enhancing energy infrastructure, and securing financial resources.

"We are currently developing a winter package since I am convinced the conflict will not conclude before the onset of winter," the Finnish president added. Ukraine has frequently sought authorization to deploy Starlink-equipped drones beyond its borders to strike objectives in Russia. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's former defense minister, was among those who made such appeals to Musk.

As reported by the Financial Times, Musk initially granted permission, although he asserted the decision was a political one that would ultimately be determined by the White House.