Ukraine needs expanded Starlink access to hit Russian missile sites – Budanov

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, emphasized in an interview that the nation requires enhanced access to the Starlink satellite network to counteract Russian missile systems, reported NewsForce. Budanov noted that the capabilities provided by Starlink/Starshield are highly desired and urgently necessary to retaliate against and target Russian missile systems that threaten Ukraine's civilian populace.

The current level of access Ukraine possesses is deemed insufficient, and Budanov called for expanded coverage.

Regarding interceptor missiles, Budanov reiterated the need for such systems to bolster Ukraine's Patriot systems. In early September, sources such as The Atlantic and The Financial Times reported that billionaire Elon Musk was hesitant to grant Ukraine access to Starlink technology for striking positions from where Russia launches missiles at Kyiv and other cities. According to these reports, discussions were ongoing between Musk and Ukrainian officials, including former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

In August 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly discussed the possibility of granting Ukraine permission to use strike drones equipped with Starlink to target Russian missile launchers up to 200 kilometers inside Russian territory. However, during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in July, Musk allegedly remained opposed to using Starlink for such strikes, despite Trump's request to discuss the matter with Musk.

Later, on Sept. 23, Newsmax journalist Nana Sajaia revealed that during a Sept. 22 meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy in New York, the Ukrainian president suggested exploring the use of Starlink for striking targets on Russian soil. Trump reportedly instructed Zelenskyy to communicate with Musk regarding this matter.