{
  "id": 4650122,
  "title": "FT: SpaceX head Elon Musk willing to let Ukraine use Starlink to strike Russia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/ft-spacex-head-elon-musk-willing-to-let-ukraine-use-starlink-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T13:31:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Meduza (English)",
    "slug": "meduza-english",
    "url": "https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/08/31/ft-spacex-head-elon-musk-willing-to-let-ukraine-use-starlink-to-strike-russia"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Elon Musk has reportedly indicated that Ukraine could utilize Starlink-equipped drones for striking targets within Russia's borders, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. The billionaire's stance was revealed during a discussion with former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The sources did not provide specifics about the timing or context of the conversation. Musk stated he had no objection to Ukraine employing the satellite system in this manner, but emphasized that the ultimate decision would hinge on a political level, requiring approval from the White House. The Financial Times published this information in an article detailing Fedorov's recent visit to the United States, where he is pursuing potential investors for a defense technology fund. Fedorov did not respond to inquiries regarding his discussions with Musk, nor whether he intended to meet with the tech mogul again during his trip. The Atlantic magazine wrote in July that Fedorov and Musk had previously deliberated on the feasibility of using Starlink for Ukrainian attacks on Russia within its recognized territory. Musk also suggested such strikes could be feasible \"if Trump says to do it,\" as reported by The Atlantic. Later, The Atlantic reported Musk maintained his stance against Ukraine using Starlink to target Russia. The two have reportedly clashed over the potential dangers of escalating the conflict, with Musk advocating for a resolution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had urged U.S. President Donald Trump to persuade Musk to permit the use of Starlink for targeting inside Russia in July. Ukraine, anticipating Russia's escalation of strikes against its energy infrastructure, aims to leverage Starlink to aid drones in targeting Russian missile launchers. This would neutralize them before Russia can launch ballistic missiles, thereby reducing Ukraine's dependence on limited Patriot interceptor missiles. Zelensky honored Musk with Ukraine's Order of Freedom, a nation's highest civilian award, on August 26.",
  "summary": "Billionaire Elon Musk is willing to let Ukraine use drones equipped with Starlink outside Ukraine’s own territory to strike targets inside Russia, according to Financial Times sources, who said he made the remark during a conversation with former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW English (Top Stories)",
        "title": "Deceived and deployed: How young Cameroonians end up fighting in Russia's war in Ukraine",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/deceived-and-deployed-how-young-cameroonians-end-up-fighting-in",
        "published": "2026-08-31T13:39:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Turkey says it has Black Sea grain plan and is in contact with Russia, Ukraine",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/turkey-says-it-has-black-sea-grain-plan-and-is-in-contact-with-russia",
        "published": "2026-08-31T13:46:45.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Interfax-Ukraine",
        "title": "Ankara maintains contact with Russia and Ukraine regarding situation in Black Sea, working on new grain supply agreement – Turkish FM",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/ankara-maintains-contact-with-russia-and-ukraine-regarding-situation",
        "published": "2026-08-31T14:50:13.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Euromaidan Press",
        "title": "“In intercepts, they’re screaming”: Russia occupied this spit to control Ukraine’s ports. Military says it has now isolated 2,500-strong grouping and destroyed all its artillery",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/in-intercepts-theyre-screaming-russia-occupied-this-spit-to-control",
        "published": "2026-08-31T16:06:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}