U.S. lawmakers reportedly offered Ukraine Starlink coverage inside Russia in exchange for halting refinery strikes. Zelensky was receptive, WSJ says.

A group of U.S. lawmakers reportedly proposed to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to cease strikes on Russian oil refineries in exchange for an extended Starlink coverage zone for Ukraine's armed forces, according to the Wall Street Journal. The idea was discussed during a meeting in Kyiv last Friday. The plan would involve the U.S. extending the Starlink coverage area 300 kilometers (186 miles) into Russian territory, in return for Ukraine halting the strikes, enabling Ukraine’s armed forces to neutralize Russian launch systems.

Zelensky expressed willingness to accept this proposal and suspend strikes on Russian oil refineries for 100 days, as per the WSJ report. It was unclear whether the lawmakers were acting on behalf of U.S. President Donald Trump or independently. Trump had publicly urged Ukraine to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries for weeks.

In mid-October, both Russia and Ukraine reportedly agreed to an "energy truce," suggesting a mutual cease-fire on oil refinery attacks. However, Zelensky announced on October 15 that the strikes would resume due to continued Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Moscow has denied any moratorium on strikes. Starlink service currently covers only Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory.

An earlier attempt by Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to persuade SpaceX owner Elon Musk to widen Starlink's coverage zone for Ukraine's armed forces to target Russian missile launch systems was unsuccessful, as Musk cautioned about the risks of escalation. Ukraine is seeking ways to target Russian missile launch systems due to a severe shortage of Patriot missiles, leaving it vulnerable to Russian ballistic attacks.

Zelensky, who announced the resumption of strikes on oil refineries, indicated he was open to adjusting his stance if allies provide more Patriot missiles to Ukraine.